- Sara Duterte faces criminal complaints for sedition and grave threats.
- The complaints were filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
- Duterte denies threatening the President and his associates.
- Impeachment complaint includes accusations of corruption and misuse of office.
- Duterte’s political rivalry with President Marcos continues to intensify.
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte faces criminal complaints over threats made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. On February 12, 2025, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed charges of sedition and grave threats against Duterte. She made a controversial comment in November 2024, suggesting she would have the president assassinated if someone killed her, which led to these charges.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) received the complaints. Officials will decide whether they will take the case to court or dismiss it. Duterte, a long-time political figure, said she expected this move. She believes her political rivals are trying to block her presidential run in 2028.
Background of the Charges
The charges against Duterte stem from a news conference in November 2024. She suggested that if someone killed her, she would seek the assassination of President Marcos, his wife, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Although her words were unclear, they raised significant concerns about national security.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago confirmed the complaints went to the DOJ. The department will decide whether to investigate or dismiss the case. Duterte, however, claims people misinterpreted her words and insists she never meant to issue a direct threat.
These comments come amid Duterte’s long-standing rivalry with President Marcos. They once worked together during the 2022 elections, with Duterte as Marcos’ vice-presidential candidate. Since then, their relationship has soured due to accusations of mismanagement and corruption.
In addition to the ongoing investigations, a majority of the House of Representatives filed an impeachment complaint. The complaint accuses Duterte of large-scale corruption, misuse of government funds, and controversial remarks. The House, controlled by Marcos’ allies, voted to move the complaint forward. The Senate is expected to address it in June.
Duterte denies that her remarks were a threat. She argues she merely expressed concerns about her safety. Despite her denial, the comments triggered a national security scare, prompting investigations. Her political future now depends on the outcome of her legal battles.
Impeachment and Allegations of Corruption
The impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte, backed by most House members, accuses her of personal gain. The complaint points to serious issues like misuse of confidential funds and involvement in corruption. These accusations have added fuel to the already tense political climate between Duterte and her opponents.
The impeachment process for Duterte is expected to be tough. Marcos’ allies control the House, which makes the Senate battle even harder for her. Still, Duterte stands firm, saying that the political attack on her is driven by personal grudges.
Vice President Duterte’s legal struggles are far from over. Sedition charges and grave threats, alongside the impeachment, have put her in the spotlight. As Duterte faces these challenges, the outcome will play a big role in her political future. The rivalry with President Marcos grows, leaving the nation watching closely.