Philippines crisis deepens as lawmakers vote to impeach vice president

The Philippine parliament has voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte over alleged corruption and threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Duterte denies the accusations, calling them a political attack.

The impeachment, seen as escalating the Duterte-Marcos rivalry, passed the House with 215 votes and now moves to the Senate for trial. If convicted, Duterte would be removed from office and permanently barred from holding public office, ending her chances of succeeding Marcos in 2028.

The move comes ahead of the May mid-term elections, a key test for both leaders. Duterte’s brother, a lawmaker, called the impeachment "political persecution," while Marcos has yet to comment.