In a dramatic turn of events, Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte faced impeachment by the House of Representatives, with 215 lawmakers signing a petition to remove her from office following a bitter political feud with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The impeachment complaint, which includes allegations of constitution violation, betrayal of public trust, and corruption, will be sent to the Senate for trial.

Duterte, a potential presidential candidate after Marcos’s term, has been the subject of multiple impeachment complaints, including a death threat against the president and his associates, irregularities in intelligence funds usage, and failure to address Chinese aggression in the South China Sea. The latest complaint is the only one progressing to trial due to legislative support.

Despite potential time constraints due to upcoming elections, efforts to impeach Duterte might proceed with a special session. Her legal woes unfold amid escalating tensions with the president and his allies, highlighted by her controversial statement about hiring an assassin. The House investigation into alleged fund misuse during her tenure as vice president and education secretary has added to her challenges.

The political fallout between Duterte and Marcos stems from differing views on governance, corruption allegations, and approaches to key issues like China’s territorial disputes and the controversial anti-drug campaign under Duterte’s father’s administration. The rift between the two top officials underscores the complexities of Philippine politics where separately elected leaders can clash on significant policy matters.