Duterte Impeachment: High Stakes in Philippine Politics

0:00It's March 24th. You're listening to Global News today, AI-powered coverage from around the world. I'm Cory with the story. Public hearings on the impeachment case against Philippine Vice President Sarah Dutera kick off in Congress on March 25th. The 47-year-old faces charges of misusing public funds during her time as Education Secretary and making threats against President Ferdinand, Marcos Jr. A conviction would boot her from office and block her from future elections. This drama stems from a bitter split between the Dutera and Marcos' political families, who teamed up for a big win in the 2022 elections, but clashed over power and agendas. Sarah, daughter of former President Rodrigo Dutera, now wants to run for President in 2028, while Marcos wraps up his single six-year term. Reactions have been intense, with civil society, church leaders, and opposition groups pushing the complaints. President Polls show Dutera, with strong support at 55 percent approval, far ahead of Marcos

1:02at 36 percent. Mid-term elections last year highlighted her camp's edge in the Senate race. The House Justice Committee will review evidence and her response, then send it to the full house for a one-third vote to advance to the Senate trial. There, 24 Senators act as judges, needing a two-thirds majority for removal outcomes, have sparked turmoil before, like in past high-profile cases. As this unfolds, control the Philippine politics hangs in the balance, shaping the path to 2028 and beyond.