Will VP Sara Duterte Face Impeachment? Thousands Protest in Manila
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Alaina - . January 31, 2025
- . Update: January 31, 2025 2:45 pm
On Friday thousands of protesters gathered in Manila . They were demanding for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte by the Philippine House of Representatives.
VP Duterte is facing three impeachment complaints over alleged misconduct and misuse of government funds. But lawmakers have not yet taken action, and Congress will adjourn next week before the May elections.
The 46-year-old vice president who is not on good terms with President Ferdinand Marcos but remains his constitutional successor has denied the accusations. Marcos has urged Congress to drop the impeachment calling it a minor issue that could distract lawmakers from their main duties.
Wearing white shirts and holding signs that read “Impeach Sara now,” protesters chanted as they gathered near one of Manila’s busiest streets. Police estimated around 4,000 people attended the rally while 7,400 riot police were deployed to maintain order.
A much larger protest against Duterte’s impeachment was held on January 13 by a conservative religious group.
House member Percival Cendana is also supporting one of the impeachment complaints. He has joined the rally and urged Congress to act quickly. He said that delaying action only encourages abuse of power.
In Phillippines to move the impeachment process forward it is mandatory to get at least one-third of House members must support. If it is passed the Senate would then need a two-thirds vote to remove Duterte from office.
Cendana said “The Filipino people are here, ready to stand for truth and justice. Let’s not fail them”.
