A prominent senator in the Philippines has prepared a resolution calling for the dismissal of the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, signaling a potential shift in her political fortunes after a public rift with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The House of Representatives voted in February to impeach Duterte—daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte—based on allegations that included irregularities in the national budget, unexplained wealth, and a supposed threat to the safety of the president, the first lady, and the House speaker.
If found guilty, Duterte could face a permanent disqualification from holding public office. She has denied all charges against her.
Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a close ally of the Duterte family and former police chief during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency, authored the resolution. According to sources familiar with the matter, the draft is currently being circulated among senators.
The draft resolution argues that the Senate failed to take timely action on the impeachment articles within the 100-day window required, effectively nullifying the case by default.
It remains uncertain when the resolution will be formally submitted or whether it has sufficient backing to pass. If it does succeed, it could further deepen the political rivalry between Marcos and Duterte as the 2028 presidential election approaches. Marcos, limited to a single term, cannot run again, while Duterte is considered a likely contender.
The case also has broader implications for the Marcos family’s efforts to maintain political influence and reshape the public’s perception of the legacy of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who ruled the country during a controversial period marked by allegations of corruption and abuse.
Calls for the case’s dismissal follow strong electoral performances by Duterte-aligned candidates in recent midterm elections, suggesting that her political base remains solid despite high-profile investigations and the recent transfer of her father to the International Criminal Court.
The Senate is expected to conclude its current session next week, and the draft resolution argues that this timeline does not allow for proper handling of the impeachment trial. It asserts that the case should not carry over to the next Congress, which is set to begin in late July.
President Marcos has appealed for political unity and has publicly distanced himself from the impeachment effort, which was widely supported by his allies in the lower house. His office has not commented on the proposed resolution.
