Impeachment a key weapon in the Philippines’ Marcos–Duterte divide

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment on 5 February 2025 marks a significant moment in the country’s democracy. While impeachment has always carried political implications, its increasing use as a strategic tool raises concerns about its evolving role and impact on constitutional democratic accountability. Independent of its merits, Duterte’s case, advanced by President ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr’s allies, reflects broader institutional challenges and the influence of political manoeuvring over moral considerations as framed in the Philippine Constitution. As impeachment becomes increasingly detached from its original purpose, the case underscores the need for public vigilance and stronger democratic safeguards.