Impeachment Storm Clouds: Can Sara Duterte Survive the Rising Tide?

A political storm is brewing around Vice President Sara Duterte, as growing public dissatisfaction has sparked fresh calls for her impeachment. Recent surveys and reports highlight a significant shift in public opinion, suggesting that more Filipinos are increasingly open to the idea of ousting the Vice President before her term ends. This looming political challenge could have far-reaching consequences, not just for Duterte but also for the upcoming 2025 elections.

The wave of discontent against Sara Duterte began to gain momentum in late 2024. According to a survey conducted by Pulse Asia, a considerable portion of the Filipino population now supports impeachment proceedings. A December 2024 survey found that a substantial number of respondents believed Duterte’s performance as Vice President had fallen short of expectations, especially as it related to her leadership role during the early months of the Marcos administration.

Political analysts have suggested that Duterte’s association with the Marcos family, while advantageous during the 2022 elections, could become a double-edged sword. With a growing perception that she is not fulfilling her duties as Vice President, this discontent has fueled talk of an impeachment. Lawmakers have seized on this sentiment, with some claiming that impeachment proceedings against Duterte could provide the grounds for shifting political dynamics in 2025.

Adding fuel to the fire, protests calling for her ouster have intensified in early 2025, with protesters openly challenging her leadership. Despite being the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, a highly popular figure in Philippine politics, Sara’s approval ratings have faltered in comparison to other prominent political figures. A January 2025 report in Tribune highlights that lawmakers from opposition groups have become increasingly vocal about her impeachment, arguing that the ongoing public protests and surveys demanding her removal from office cannot be ignored.

Impeachment lawyer and legal experts have weighed in, stressing that public support for Duterte’s ouster could compel Congress to take action. As of now, there is no formal impeachment complaint filed, but these reports suggest that if these trends continue, the formal process may soon take shape. Legal experts argue that such a move could significantly affect the 2025 elections, reshaping political alliances and voter sentiment.

One crucial factor in this developing situation is the timing of the impeachment calls. With the 2025 elections just months away, the political landscape could change drastically. The impeachment issue might not only challenge Duterte’s political career but could also have a ripple effect on her father’s influence and the support base of their allies. While Duterte still retains a significant amount of loyalty among a portion of the electorate, the growing calls for her impeachment indicate that political tides are shifting.

In the coming months, we may see if the impeachment talks are more than just political noise or if they will escalate into a serious challenge that could reshape the political environment in time for the 2025 elections. The situation continues to evolve, and with every new survey and protest, the prospects for Duterte’s political survival grow more uncertain.

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