Once hailed as the political heir to her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte now finds herself at the center of a political crisis. The once-powerful Duterte-Marcos alliance has crumbled, and she faces an impeachment trial on allegations of corruption, betrayal of public trust, and even plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Just three years after securing a landslide victory, Duterte’s political future is on the line. Her downfall exposes the deep fractures in Philippine politics, where former allies quickly become bitter enemies. The nation is left questioning: Is this the end of the Duterte dynasty?
A Meteoric Rise: From Mayor to Vice President
Duterte, 46, is no stranger to controversy. Known for her fierce, no-nonsense approach, she first gained national attention in 2011 as Davao City mayor when she was caught on camera punching a sheriff who refused to delay a slum demolition. The incident boosted her image as a champion of the poor, mirroring the populist rhetoric of her father, Rodrigo Duterte, who later became president.
By the 2022 presidential election, Duterte was leading the race. But in a shocking twist, she stepped aside and ran as Marcos Jr.’s vice president instead. The move was seen as a strategic alliance between two of the most powerful political families in the Philippines—one that is now in shambles.
Impeachment: Corruption, Betrayal, and a Shocking Assassination Plot
The Philippine House of Representatives voted 215-91 to impeach Duterte, marking one of the most explosive political showdowns in the country’s recent history.
The 44-page impeachment document accuses Duterte of:
- Hiding unexplained wealth
- Embezzling public funds
- Ordering extrajudicial killings as Davao mayor
- Plotting the assassination of President Marcos and his family
While Marcos has distanced himself from the impeachment proceedings, his cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, has reportedly been instrumental in leading the charges against Duterte. Political analysts say this move is a power play to eliminate Duterte as a 2028 presidential contender.
The Duterte-Marcos Rift: When Alliances Turn Hostile
Tensions between Marcos and Duterte surfaced soon after their 2022 victory. Duterte had lobbied to become defense secretary, a powerful post that would have given her control over the military. Marcos publicly rejected her request, appointing her as education secretary instead—a move widely seen as a demotion.
By mid-2024, Duterte resigned from Marcos’ cabinet as their feud intensified. Her father, Rodrigo Duterte, escalated matters by calling Marcos a “drug addict” and encouraging the military to stage a coup.
The final blow came when Sara Duterte made shocking allegations that Marcos, his wife Liza Marcos, and Speaker Romualdez were conspiring to have her killed. She openly admitted that she had already ordered their assassinations should they succeed in eliminating her first.
This expletive-laden press conference set the stage for her impeachment, leading to a political firestorm that shows no signs of dying down.
A Divided Nation: Will Duterte Survive?
The Philippine Senate will now act as an impeachment tribunal, with 16 out of 24 votes required to remove Duterte from office. If convicted, she will be banned from holding any future public office and could face criminal prosecution.
A recent survey revealed that 41% of Filipinos support Duterte’s impeachment, while 35% oppose it, and 19% remain undecided. Despite the allegations, she still enjoys a 49% approval rating, indicating strong support among Duterte loyalists.
Her most powerful backer, the Iglesia ni Cristo (Church of Christ), recently organized a massive rally opposing her impeachment, signaling a potential clash between religious and political forces.
What’s Next? 2028 Presidential Bid or Political Oblivion?
Despite facing impeachment, Duterte has hinted at a presidential run in 2028. However, political experts believe her candidacy is now in jeopardy, given the ongoing trial and mounting corruption allegations.
If she survives impeachment, she will likely face House Speaker Romualdez in the next election, making this trial a crucial turning point in her career.
For now, Duterte’s fate lies in the hands of the Senate, and the coming months could determine whether she rises again or fades into political oblivion.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.