Vice President Sara Duterte starts a political firestorm after receiving criminal accusations after a disorderly episode in Congress.
Following the filing of criminal accusations against her and her security personnel by Quezon City police, Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte finds herself at the heart of a massive political scandal.
Two of the most influential political families in the nation, the Dutertes and the Marcoses have sunk into a major clash following a turbulent event in Congress over the weekend, leading to this unprecedented development.
An argument involving Duterte’s chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, set off the criminal allegations, including counts of assault, disobedience, and extreme coercion against police officials.
The political scene has heavily criticized Lopez for allegedly impeding a congressional investigation into the misuse of classified and intelligence funds.
During the chaos, authorities ordered Lopez’s transfer to a women’s jail, a move that sparked further conflict when Duterte and her supporters interfered.
Instead, they sent Lopez to a government hospital, where she is currently under detention.
Emphasizing the need for the rule of law, National Police Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil said, “No one, regardless of their position, should be above accountability.”
The growing tensions have exposed more fundamental problems with police power and public official behavior in the Philippines.
Separate but related events involving Duterte made news with her concerning comments about possible threats to notable Marcos regime officials, like President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Marcos denounced as unlawful these remarks directed at the president, his wife, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, which included veiled threats.
Later, Duterte clarified her remarks, emphasizing that they were more expressions of concern for her safety than outright threats.
The continuous dispute between Duterte and Marcos marks a pivotal turning point in Philippine politics.
Despite their united front during the 2022 elections, where they both campaigned on a platform of national unity, their relationship has deteriorated due to urgent concerns, including the nation’s response to China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea and the divisive anti-drug laws of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Following resignations from many roles, including director of an anti-insurgency agency and education minister, Sara Duterte has been an active critic of the Marcos government.
The intense political rivalry between Sara Duterte’s and Marcos’ camps continues to influence the country’s government.
As the inquiry progresses and the public maintains a close watch, the final consequences of these events could alter the political landscape and challenge the long-standing dominance of the Duterte and Marcos families in the Philippines.