Philippine Prosecutors Urge Senate to Try VP Duterte on Assassination, Fund Misuse Charges

Prosecutors in the Philippines have urged the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, who faces serious charges including misuse of public funds and an alleged plot to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the first lady, and the house speaker. Duterte has denied the allegations and claims the impeachment is politically motivated, stemming from a falling out with President Marcos. Prosecutors argue that Duterte's legal defense relies on baseless procedural objections aimed at dismissing the case to avoid trial, emphasizing that the severity of the charges warrants a full trial to uphold justice and democratic principles. If convicted, Duterte faces removal from office and a lifetime ban from holding any public position. The impeachment is widely viewed as part of a broader political power struggle ahead of the 2028 presidential election, which President Marcos cannot contest due to term limits. Despite the political tensions, Marcos has distanced himself from the impeachment proceedings.