Philippine VP’s impeachment trial heats up as unexplained wealth takes centre stage

Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s impeachment trial entered a politically explosive new phase on Monday as prosecutors turned to allegations of unexplained wealth in proceedings that could end her term and bar her from a possible presidential run in 2028.

The Senate hearing opened its 24th day with congressmen serving as House prosecutors beginning to tackle the third of four impeachment charges against Duterte-Carpio, whose legal troubles have intensified alongside her increasingly bitter feud with President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr.

Once Marcos’ running mate in the 2022 election, Duterte-Carpio is now one of his fiercest critics, accusing him of corruption and political persecution as she fights both the impeachment case and a separate criminal charge.

On Friday, Duterte-Carpio was due to be arraigned before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court on charges of issuing grave threats against Marcos, his wife and his cousin – allegations that also form part of one of the impeachment charges against her.