The motion filed against the sitting president concerns cooperation with the International Criminal Court, alleged budget irregularities, and failures to manage scandals related to public flood prevention projects. In the background, ongoing legal proceedings continue, including those involving the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, amid tensions within the military, and a deteriorating economic situation.

Manila (AsiaNews) - An impeachment complaint was filed this morning against Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a new twist in the tense relationship between the Marcos and Duterte clans.

The main charge, presented by lawyer Andre De Jesus, is that the president betrayed the public's trust by allowing former President Rodrigo Duterte (Marcos's predecessor) to be arrested and taken to The Hague to stand trial for crimes against humanity allegedly committed as part of the controversial "war on drugs" launched by the former head of state.

The impeachment proceedings also cite alleged budgetary irregularities and failure to address bribery that are said to have caused delays in the implementation of a series of public flood prevention projects, an issue that sparked widespread anti-government protests in recent months, supported by the local Church.

Marcos is also accused of failing to address rumours that he uses drugs and is therefore unfit to govern.

“We feel that this avenue would enable not just myself as complainant ... but the Filipino people to thrash out all these matters which are being raised and are not answered at all by the president and his cabinet and his officers," De Jesus said.

The response from the presidential communications office suggests that the Philippine Congress will not likely vote on the procedure.

“Congress, as a co-equal branch of government, will discharge its duties with honesty, integrity, and fidelity to the rule of law,” reads a statement from Malacañang Palace.

“While these processes take their course, the President will continue to govern, ensuring that public services remain uninterrupted and that the work of government stays focused on improving the lives of our people," it goes on to say.

To advance an impeachment motion, the vote of one third of the House of Representatives is required, followed by a two-thirds vote in the Senate.

About a year ago, an impeachment was filed against Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of the former president. Ultimately, the Supreme Court blocked it on procedural grounds. However, the conflict between the two families appears not to have subsided.

In the meantime, Filipinos appear to back the Duterte clan. According to poll results released last month, Sara Duterte enjoys an approval rating of 56 per cent and a trust rating of 54 per cent, compared to Marcos's ratings of 34 per cent and 32 per cent, respectively.

These numbers could translate into an electoral victory for Sara Duterte in the upcoming 2028 election, but the incumbent president seems determined to block her aspirations, despite the Constitution barring him from running for another term.

For her part, Sara Duterte is still facing legal proceedings. Last month, the Office of the Ombudsman filed a complaint against her, alleging embezzlement of more than 612.5 million pesos (US$ 10.3 million), which her office spent in just 11 days in 2022.

Duterte's opponents are also want the vice president's bank accounts to be made public to show that she received funds "from anomalous, questionable sources," including casino magnates and drug lords, according to former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.

Beyond legal issues, the feud between the two clans could translate into growing attempts to get the support of the armed forces. Some commentators have even suggested that rising tensions could lead to a coup.

Earlier this month, Philippine Army Colonel Audie Mongao publicly announced on social media that he was withdrawing his support from Marcos, who, as president, is also the commander-in-chief.

On 5 January, Romeo Poquiz, a former Air Force general who served under Duterte, was charged with sedition for urging the military to withdraw its support from Marcos.

Dissatisfaction in the military may have been fuelled by some Marcos opponents who have pressed the president after the scandal involving funding for flood relief projects.

The economic difficulties afflicting the Filipino population remain in the background. Growth for 2026 has been revised to 5.6 per cent, down from the initial estimates of 6-7 per cent.

Thousands of workers have already been laid off in the construction sector, while the local currency has depreciated sharply, driving up costs.

This is a very risky situation due to the Philippines' large trade deficit, which outstrips its exports. Paying for imports (in dollars) requires significantly more pesos.

According to some economists, the exchange rate could rise to 61 pesos to the dollar, a level not seen since World War II.

Attempts by the Philippine Central Bank to stimulate the economy may not be enough. In this situation, criticism has increased against Marcos, whose time is absorbed by the domestic feud with the Dutertes.

• philippines
• president ferdinand marcos jr
• rodrigo
• sara
• duterte
• clans
• feud
• impeachment
• economic crisis