Philippines’ Marcos Jnr faces inner circle discord over Sara Duterte’s impeachment calls

The president’s calls to dismiss impeachment proceedings against his deputy have intensified political tensions and public rallies

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr speaks during the 89th Philippine Armed Forces anniversary in Quezon City, Metro Manila, the Philippines, on December 20, 2024. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 8:00am, 16 Jan 2025Updated: 8:21am, 16 Jan 2025

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s call to dismiss impeachment proceedings against Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio has sparked discord within his inner circle, according to political insiders who see dangerous fault lines forming within his administration.

Three impeachment complaints against the vice-president have already been filed by various groups over accusations including issuing death threats against the president and the alleged misuse of more than 612.5 million pesos (US$10.5 million) in confidential funds.

Despite the increasingly acrimonious rift between Marcos Jnr and Duterte-Carpio, the president has consistently said the effort to impeach her is an unnecessary government distraction, describing it as a “storm in a teacup”, amid growing calls among his allies to oust her from office.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said on Wednesday a fourth impeachment complaint, currently being finalised, could secure enough support in the Lower House for Duterte-Carpio’s impeachment.

Impeachment in the Philippines proceeds in two steps: a one-third endorsement of lawmakers to formally impeach an official, or a more protracted process in the House to secure a majority vote, followed by immediate transmittal of the articles of impeachment to the Senate for trial.

Velasco’s announcement followed a statement by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who said on Tuesday the president’s position “has not changed”.