Philippines’ V-P Sara Duterte asks court to halt impeachment case

Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte has asked the nation's top court to stop the impeachment proceedings against her by the House of Representatives, saying the process is unconstitutional and "marred by grave abuse of discretion".



In her petition, Ms Duterte claimed the House justice committee's move to proceed with two impeachment complaints after two others were dropped violated the rule that no impeachment proceedings shall be initiated against the same official more than once within a year.



She also called unconstitutional plans by the same committee to hold what she sees as a "mini-trial" by ordering certain individuals to provide testimonies during hearings scheduled in April, saying only the Senate has the power to act as an impeachment court.



Ms Duterte is accused of threatening to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and misusing public funds, allegations she has denied.



The latest impeachment attempts mark another political setback for Ms Duterte, who is locked in a feud with Mr Marcos, and come as the nation faces economic challenges amid the Iran war that has pushed inflation to a 20-month high in March.