Philippine Vice President Duterte vows to fight impeachment case
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte said her lawyers are preparing to fight the impeachment case, signaling she’s ready to defend herself as her feud with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. intensifies..“The Filipino people will prevail,” Duterte said in a briefing on Friday as she sought to project calm and confidence amid the political challenges surrounding her. “We will have to respect the Senate’s decision,” she said about the chamber that will have to convene as an impeachment court after the House of Representatives impeached her on Wednesday..The vice president, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, faces removal from office and disqualification to hold a public post if at least two-thirds of senators votes to convict her, according to the Constitution. Asked whether she has the numbers to avoid a conviction in Senate, Duterte said her team hasn’t determined this..Sara Duterte: Five things to know about the Philippine”s VP and her impeachment.The embattled vice president was speaking publicly for the first time since she was impeached by the House for charges including conspiracy to assassinate Marcos and misuse of public funds — accusations she previously denied. The impeachment complaint was transmitted to the Senate also on Wednesday..The developments this week exacerbate the rift between Marcos and Duterte, who teamed up to win the 2022 election only to see their alliance collapse due to policy differences. It also raises the stakes for the upcoming midterm polls in May, as newly-elected senators could decide the outcome of Duterte’s impeachment trial..The vice president said she’s not encouraging her supporters to hold public protests and instead urged them to defend her on social media. .She reiterated a previous comment that she’s “seriously considering” to run for the presidential race in 2028, but declined to give details..Philippines: 7 articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte.Marcos on Thursday denied having a hand in moves to oust Duterte, and added he will let the Senate decide on how to proceed. The president also played down any impact on the economy, saying that the government remains steadfast on its investment plans and structural reforms that are important for investors..Senate President Francis Escudero said on Thursday that senators, who will serve as jurors in the trial, will likely start proceedings in June when session resumes after the election break..Half of the 24 seats in upper chamber will be contested in the May polls, and Escudero said the 12 newly elected senators would be among those who will ultimately determine Duterte’s fate..“It’s more painful to be left behind by a boyfriend or girlfriend than be impeached,” Duterte quipped as the briefing ended.
Source: Bloomberg Wire