Thousands of protesters call for VP Duterte impeachment in Manila
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Thousands of protesters marched through the streets of Manila on Friday, demanding that the Philippine House of Representatives impeach Vice President Sara Duterte.
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People participate in the National Rally for Peace organized by a religious group in support of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, who is facing impeachment complaints, in Manila, Philippines, on January 13, 2025. (AP)
Thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Manila on Friday, demanding that the Philippine House of Representatives move forward with the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Duterte is facing three impeachment complaints over alleged misconduct and the misuse of millions in government funds. However, just days before Congress adjourns next week ahead of the May midterm elections, legislators have yet to take up the cases.
The 46-year-old vice president, who is estranged from President Ferdinand Marcos yet remains his constitutional successor should he become unable to fulfill his duties, has denied the allegations.
Marcos, meanwhile, has urged Congress to dismiss the impeachment efforts, dismissing them as a "storm in a teacup" that would divert lawmakers from more pressing legislative matters.
"IMPEACH SARA RALLY": Show of force by United opposition groups calling on the Congress to do its job — and let accountability prevail after months-long expose of alleged fiscal abuses & human rights violation by the notorious Duterte dynasty… pic.twitter.com/VEhpaPqA8p
— Richard Heydarian (@RichHeydarian) January 31, 2025
Dressed mostly in white, protesters held placards demanding Duterte’s removal and chanted, "Impeach! Impeach Sara now!" as they rallied beside Manila’s busiest avenue.
Police estimated that around 4,000 people joined the morning rally, while authorities deployed 7,400 riot police to maintain order. However, the turnout was overshadowed by a massive demonstration on January 13 organized by a conservative sect opposing Duterte’s impeachment.
House Representative Percival Cendana, a supporter of one of the impeachment complaints, attended Friday’s rally, calling on his colleagues to act swiftly on the case.
'IMPEACH SARA!'
— iMPACT Leadership (@iMPACTPH2019) January 31, 2025
LOOK: Protesters calling for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, led by Akbayan and Magdalo Party-list, have begun gathering at the People Power Monument along the EDSA-White Plains area on Friday, January 31.
Several other groups are also set to… pic.twitter.com/8vBdOcNS6H
Every day of inaction "condones the impunity, the abuse of power, and the harassment that Duterte is doing to our country's leaders," he told reporters.
For the impeachment to advance, it must be supported by at least one-third of the House of Representatives. If approved, the official can only be removed from office with a two-thirds vote in the Senate.
"The Filipino people are here, ready to stand for truth and justice. Let's not fail them," Cendana said.
Philippines VP ousted from Security Council
Earlier this month, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. removed Vice President Duterte from the National Security Council (NSC), according to an executive order released on January 3.
The decision comes amid allegations that Duterte had plotted to assassinate Marcos and his family, an accusation she denies, claiming her statements were misinterpreted.
The order, signed earlier this week by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, also excludes all former presidents from the council.
The NSC advises the president on critical national security issues and includes officials from legislative, defense, foreign affairs, and cabinet sectors.
Bersamin justified the decision as part of efforts "to reorganize and streamline" the council’s membership.
"At the moment, the VP is not considered relevant to the responsibilities of membership in the NSC," Bersamin explained, adding that Marcos retains the authority to appoint other advisors or members as needed.
