Impeachment Politics PH: Why Marcos Is Untouched While Sara Duterte Isn’t

This discussion unpacks the contrasting impeachment cases involving President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, examining how confidential and intelligence funds, congressional discretion, and political power shape accountability in the Philippines. Anchored on the constitutional idea that public office is a public trust, the forum explores why impeachment moves swiftly against some officials while stalling against others.

Speakers point to the early dismissal of impeachment complaints filed against President Marcos by the House Committee on Justice, despite unresolved questions surrounding confidential and intelligence funds linked to the Office of the President. In contrast, impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte advanced rapidly, even as Commission on Audit reviews were still ongoing.

The discussion highlights the scale of confidential and intelligence fund allocations under President Marcos, which reportedly reached billions of pesos and surpassed funding levels of institutions like the AFP and PNP. Panelists question why these amounts received limited scrutiny, while comparatively smaller sums associated with Sara Duterte became the focus of intense legislative action following the breakdown of the Marcos–Duterte alliance.

Attention is also given to Sara Duterte’s tenure at the Department of Education, where the approval of confidential funds for a civilian agency raised red flags. Allegations include questionable documentation, unsupported claims of counterinsurgency activities, and conflicting statements from military sources, all of which fueled calls for deeper investigation.

By referencing past impeachment cases and current political dynamics, the episode raises concerns about selective accountability, premature case dismissals, and their impact on public trust—especially as the country moves closer to the 2028 elections.