Marcos’ ‘existential battle’ with Sara Duterte intensifies in Philippines

Sara Duterte, the impeached vice-president of the Philippines, is facing an increasing risk of conviction and a lifetime ban on politics, as allies of President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr weigh invalidating key votes of support in her Senate trial.

The 24-member Senate, where Duterte is on trial, is expected to debate on Wednesday whether the votes of several absent senators should even be counted.

Two Duterte-aligned senators, Rodante Marcoleta and Jinggoy Estrada, have both been arrested on corruption charges. Another staunch Senate ally, Ronald dela Rosa, is in hiding to avoid an international arrest warrant. And senator Loren Legarda, meanwhile, is on extended medical leave while she faces an investigation over energy contracts. All have denied wrongdoing.