In 2023, lawmakers traced suspicious confidential expenditures to the Office of the Vice President, equal to P612.5 million between 2022 to 2023. They discovered P125 million in Confidential and Intelligence Funds (CIF) spent in just 11 days, and P112.5 million in mysterious cash advances by the Department of Education in 2023, while Sara was the Secretary of Education. A series of investigations followed, which culminated in four impeachment cases being filed against Sara in late 2024. One case focused on betrayal of public trust, while the others cited violations of the Constitution. At the heart of each case is Sara’s shameless misuse of confidential and intelligence funds, as well as an assassination plot against Marcos Jr and his family, which she revealed herself in an online briefing in November 2024.

The Constitution outlines impeachment of public officials under Article XI. Impeachment cases are filed based on the following: being guilty of violating the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, betrayal of public trust. 

A citizen or House Representative files a complaint,  endorsed by a House member → a hearing in the House,from which only ⅓  of representatives’ yes votes is needed to pass the Articles of Impeachment → if passed, a Senate trial, where Senators would act as jurors and hold the impeachment court →  Two-thirds of senators’ yes vote will result in impeachment. 

 If impeached, Sara will no longer qualify to run for president in 2028.

In early February, 78% of the House (240 votes out of 306 total representatives) moved to impeach Sara from her post as Vice President. Senate President Chiz Escudero said in February that the trial would begin after Congress resumes from recess on June 2, but it has been delayed yet again to at least June 11. Several issues to consider:

1. Marcos Jr. has reiterated he is against the impeachment

2. Sen. Escudero has said that the matter should be taken up by the incoming Congress slated to take their post later in July, because there is not enough time until this current congressional session closes

3. A senate resolution was initiated to dismiss the impeachment case against Sara by Sen. Bato Dela Rosa, a staunch Duterte ally and former national PNP chief who is guilty of crimes committed under Duterte’s War on Drugs 

We know that Marcos Jr. wants to crush the Duterte dynasty’s power and inflluence, but he wants to project the illusion that he has no hand in Sara’s impeachment. This is mainly because he wants to avoid being investigated and possibly impeached in the future for his own corruption. His political maneuverings during the 2025 midterm elections failed to secure majority support in the Senate.  Additionally, he’s still scrambling to buy time to consolidate his power among military officials by rooting out the remaining pro-Duterte generals.

This is a matter of consolidation of power, and the midterm elections results are in Sara’s favor. When asked about the trial, Sara said she was eager to be put on the stand to “clear her name.” They installed more allies into the senate that can assure that even if the trial does happen, she will be acquitted and can remain as vice president. Sara going through an impeachment trial and “winning” could very well secure her victory in the 2028 presidential elections,which would be disastrous for the Filipino people.

The longer the trial is delayed, the longer the Dutertes and Marcoses evade accountability. Justice is not given to their victims. Rather, this political theater is a cover for the very real anxieties and struggles that the people are experiencing, from low wages, lack of jobs, landlessness, high prices, and more. Senators continue to waste taxpayer money to delay  the trial, instead of doing their jobs and following the constitution.

Recent surveys have shown that a majority of the population are in favor of Sara at least being put on trial for what is outlined in the articles of impeachment. The  people want her to go on trial. From abroad, we should exert all efforts to pressure Congress to push for this senate trial before the 19th congressional session ends. Sign the petition and share with your network: tinyurl.com/sara-litisin

While this trial is about Sara, the people must also hold Marcos accountable to the Filipino people’s widespread and democratic demand to impeach Sara while making sure to expose Marcos Jr.’s own corruption at the same time. If Marcos refuses to listen to the will of the people, he will only be confirming the undemocratic and corrupt nature of his regime and the entire Philippine government. We must ensure that neither of these two corrupt political dynasties get away with their crimes against the country and the Filipino people.