MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines’ political scene is reaching a boiling point as the fourth impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte gains significant traction, with at least 103 members of the 19th Congress reportedly endorsing the move. This level of support could push the impeachment complaint directly to the Senate for trial, setting the stage for an unprecedented political showdown.

On The Agenda at Club Filipino, Atty. Kristina Conti, an International Criminal Court (ICC) legal expert, emphasized that Duterte’s impeachment is not a mere political tactic but a critical response to escalating governance issues, particularly mounting allegations of fund mismanagement. Drawing parallels to high-profile global accountability cases, she pointed to the ICC’s arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin, highlighting the serious nature of the claims against Duterte.

The impeachment complaints center on allegations of corruption, specifically Duterte’s office’s rapid disbursement of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds, sparking concerns over transparency and accountability. Additionally, accusations of threats made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have only intensified the already high political tensions. These issues took center stage during the The Agenda forum, where experts discussed how the impeachment process and growing budget scandals are reshaping the country’s political landscape.

Public Reaction and INC’s Role in Political Mediation

The impeachment process has ignited divisions across political and civil society groups. On January 13, the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) organized a massive “National Rally for Peace,” reportedly gathering 1.8 million people in support of Marcos Jr.’s call for national unity and against Duterte’s impeachment. However, critics argue the rally reflected a broader disillusionment with Congress, as anti-legislator sentiments dominated the proceedings.

Rep. France Castro of the ACT Teachers Partylist slammed the rally, asserting that it ignored the public’s demand for accountability. A recent survey revealed that 41% of Filipinos support Duterte’s impeachment, with 19% still undecided. Despite the growing momentum for impeachment, the process has stalled, with the third complaint still languishing in Congress.

Panelo: Don’t Underestimate the Numbers

Former Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Salvador Panelo acknowledged that impeachment could move forward but cautioned that political considerations should delay the process. He warned not to dismiss the INC’s 1.8 million rally participants, describing them as a political force that cannot be ignored.

Panelo also raised doubts about the ICC’s jurisdiction, pointing out that no Philippine court has convicted former President Rodrigo Duterte over alleged extrajudicial killings. He questioned the legitimacy of ICC proceedings against him. However, Atty. Conti countered by stressing the lack of domestic mechanisms to hold leaders accountable for crimes against humanity, underscoring the necessity for international intervention.

Political Turmoil and the Urgent Need for Environmental Action

Amidst the ongoing political turmoil, the Makakalikasan Party condemns the misuse of public funds, exemplified by Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged misappropriation of ₱612.5 million, which undermines essential sectors like environmental protection. The recent political divisions within the administration distract from urgent issues such as climate change and poverty, while the 2025 budget prioritizes discretionary funds over vital environmental programs. The Makakalikasan Party calls for leadership rooted in justice, accountability, and the prioritization of the nation’s true needs, emphasizing that environmental protection must be central to national governance.

What’s Next?

As Congress resumes its sessions, the House Quadcom is set to continue its investigations on January 20, focusing on budget transparency and allegations of fund misuse. With a 61% approval rating for the investigations, the pressure is mounting on Duterte’s office.

Meanwhile, opposition groups are preparing for protest actions on January 18 and 31, mobilizing for Duterte’s impeachment. As the political crisis intensifies, both the Marcos and Duterte camps are navigating a volatile landscape that could reshape the nation’s political future in the months ahead.

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