Philippine Prosecutors Seek Conviction and Political Ban for Sara Duterte

Prosecutors at the Philippines’ House of Representatives have requested the Senate to proceed with the trial of impeached Vice-President Sara Duterte, advocating for her conviction and political ban.

Dismissing the case is deemed impermissible, as stated by prosecutors in response to Duterte’s attempt to have her case thrown out by the Senate, which acts as the impeachment court. They emphasized that the constitutional text mandates the Senate to proceed with the trial without room for interpretation or dismissal motions.

Duterte faced impeachment by the House in February over allegations of misusing public funds and conspiring to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. following the collapse of their political partnership. She has refuted these accusations.

The prosecutors’ move sends the case back to the Senate, which had previously returned the impeachment articles to the House, urging certification that the complaint aligns with the constitution.

The political turmoil surrounding Duterte’s impeachment poses a potential economic risk for Southeast Asia, prompting a revision of the region's economic growth target amidst global uncertainties.

For Duterte to be convicted, at least two-thirds of the 24-member Senate must vote against her. She is a prominent candidate for the 2028 presidential election, coinciding with the end of Marcos’ constitutionally limited term.

According to the source: South China Morning Post.