The Philippine House of Representatives voted Monday to advance impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. The vote was 255 in favor, 26 against, with 9 abstentions. The case now moves to the Senate for trial.

If convicted by the Senate, Duterte would be removed from office and permanently barred from holding elected positions, effectively ending her plans to run for president in 2028.

The impeachment articles allege misappropriation of public funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and an alleged death threat against former ally President Ferdinand Marcos. The lower house is dominated by Marcos allies.

Representative Bienvenido Abante said after the vote: "This is no longer just about politics. This is about conscience, duty and the future of our nation. This is about whether we still believe that no one is above the law."

The impeachment stems from a late-night briefing where Duterte claimed she had hired an assassin to kill Marcos if she were assassinated first. She later said her remarks were misinterpreted and not a joke.

Duterte's defense counsel stated they are fully prepared to defend her before the Senate. A previous impeachment attempt was struck down by the Supreme Court on procedural grounds last year.

Her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, is currently on trial at the International Criminal Court over his deadly anti-drug campaign.

Source: www.dw.com