Philippines VP Sara Duterte impeachment panel rejects free‑speech defense

The House prosecution panel rejected Vice President Sara Duterte’s claim that her alleged death threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta‑Marcos and former Speaker Martin Romualdez was protected by freedom of expression. Spokesperson Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said no constitutional right is absolute and that the issue will be decided by the Senate impeachment court.

Duterte’s legal team defended the reply, calling the impeachment process “fundamentally flawed” and arguing procedural and constitutional grounds for dismissal. The defense also denied allegations of misusing confidential funds, noting that the Commission on Audit findings are not finalized and that there is no evidence she personally benefited.

Both articles report the same developments in the Philippines’ political arena, where the vice‑president faces impeachment over the threat statements and related accusations.