Philippines' VP Duterte faces second impeachment complaint

4/12/2024 17:11

        A second impeachment complaint was filed on Wednesday against Philippine vice-president Sara Duterte over her alleged misuse of public funds and refusal to defend her budget before Congress.
        
        The complaint, filed by leftist groups at the House of Representatives, adds to a growing list of cases and investigations against Duterte following her threat last month to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife and cousin who is House speaker, assassinated if she herself were to be killed.
        
        Law enforcers are investigating Duterte for possible criminal cases over her threat. Philippine police have already filed a formal criminal complaint of assault, disobedience and coercion against her over recent incidents in the lower house of Congress and at a hospital. She denies wrongdoing.
        
        The second impeachment complaint accuses Duterte of "betrayal of public trust" in misspending 612.5 million pesos ($10.49 million), ordering officials under her office to forge reports to cover-up the alleged misuse and refusing to defend her budget before Congress.
        
        The complainants said the Philippine constitution "does not permit such cynical disregard for public trust".