Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is facing new accusations of plunder and graft from a civil group, amid growing signs that the nation¡¯s politics is headed into a new bout of internecine feuding.
Former Senator Antonio Trillanes and civil society members filed a complaint to the Office of the Ombudsman alleging Duterte of plunder and misusing 2.7 billion pesos ($45.5 million) in public funds while she was mayor of the southern city of Davao. The vice president is also accused of of misusing 8 billion pesos for allegedly overpriced laptops when she was education secretary.
Asked for comment, Duterte¡¯s office said a statement will be relayed once available. She has previously said the education agency did not procure overpriced laptops, and has repeatedly denied misusing any funds. The complaint expands on a similar filing made in December by a separate civilian group, which alleged Duterte of misusing 612.5 million pesos in public funds.
Wednesday¡¯s filing comes days after an impeachment complaint was made against Duterte¡¯s rival, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He was accused of wrongdoing for, among other things, allowing the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the father of the current vice president.
While Marcos and Sara Duterte ran on a joint ticket in 2022, their relationship has deteriorated.
Last year, an impeachment complaint against the vice president collapsed after being ruled as unconstitutional. Under Philippine law, a new impeachment attempt can be made against the vice president next month.
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