Philippine lawmakers back Sara Duterte's impeachment

Fourth complaint endorsed by lawmakers, consolidating three earlier ones accusing vice president of crimes against Constitution

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(UCAN) Philippine lawmakers voted to impeach Vice-President Sara Duterte on Feb. 5, paving the way for a tumultuous Senate trial that could see her removed from office as midterm elections loomed.

Despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. discouraging impeachment, his son and Senior Deputy Majority Leader Sandro Marcos led 215 of 306 lawmakers in endorsing a complaint to remove Duterte from office.

Duterte, who is accused of committing crimes against the Constitution, is the first Philippine vice president facing impeachment. The impeachment move needs only 102 votes or support from one-third of the lawmakers.

With more than two-thirds of the House membership supporting the impeachment, the impeachment complaint was ordered to be transmitted to the Senate.