Philippines Faces Political Turmoil With VP Impeachment Vote, New ICC Warrant
The Philippines felt two political jolts Monday. The lower chamber voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte for a second time. And the International Criminal Court unsealed a warrant for a sitting senator and former police chief for alleged involvement in a deadly crackdown on drugs under Duterte's father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Philippines Political Shakeup: Duterte’s Future in Jeopardy
REPORTER:
With the bang of a gavel, the Philippines’ lower house votes to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte. It's her second impeachment, but this time, it might stick, opening the way for a Senate trial. That could bar her from office for life—dashing presidential ambitions for 2028.
REPORTER:
She’s accused of misuse of public money, corruption, and threats against figures including former ally President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. She says none of this is true—and that this is political persecution. But anti-Duterte protesters don’t believe her.
Kiko Aquino Dee (ACTIVIST):
This is an important first step towards achieving accountability for the different crimes that the vice president has been accused of. For crimes involving the corruption of confidential and intelligence funds, involving the threats and violence against high officials of the land.
REPORTER:
Back inside the lower chamber, proceedings are calm and orderly. But that will soon be tested. As recently as March, Pollster WR Numero found that 36% of Filipinos would vote for Sara Duterte—far ahead of the nearest rival.
REPORTER:
But it isn't just Sara Duterte’s future at risk: Her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte is in the Hague facing trial for crimes against humanity during a violent crackdown on drugs.
REPORTER:
And now, an ally and enforcer, Senator and former police chief Ronald dela Rosa is a wanted man, too. The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him on Monday.
Oriane Maillet (SPOKESPERSON, INT’L CRIMINAL COURT):
Mr. Dela Rosa is alleged to have committed the crime against humanity of murder at least between 3 July 2016 and the end of April 2018, during which no less than 32 persons were killed in the Republic of the Philippines.
REPORTER:
Dela Rosa says he was not involved in illegal killings. But he ran from agents to his Senate office—and has since been put under protective custody.
REPORTER:
In the space of a day, the Philippines’ political arena felt two big jolts, and with Sara Duterte’s career still on the line and dela Rosa’s future unresolved—there’s a chance of more shocks ahead for the country.
