MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte has expressed her support for proposed legislation aimed at banning political dynasties in the Philippines, a position notable given her own political background.

Speaking to the media on February 7, 2025, in Mandaluyong City, she stated, "I am the most credible and solid expert to speak about political dynasty because I come from one," referencing her family's political influence in the country.

Duterte indicated that she would willingly take part in drafting the anti-political dynasty bill, emphasizing her personal experience with the issue.

In response to inquiries regarding the specifics of the bill, including the number of members allowed in a political dynasty, she stated, "I have not written it yet, but if you give me the chance, I will write it." Currently, the subject has not yet been discussed in detail with her family, as they are preoccupied with the detention of their father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, in the Netherlands.

During the recent elections, family members continued to hold government positions, with Duterte herself serving as Vice President.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte has returned to local politics as mayor of Davao City, with his youngest son, Sebastian Duterte, assuming the role of vice mayor.

Additionally, Sara Duterte's brother, Paolo Duterte, has been elected as a congressman for the first district of Davao, while his son, Omar, won in the second district.

In other political developments, former senator Leila de Lima has accepted an offer to join the House prosecution panel in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

De Lima, representing the Mamamayang Liberal partylist, announced her agreement to participate after a conversation with House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The Speaker has also expressed openness to including human rights lawyer Chel Diokno in the prosecution team, highlighting their esteemed legal backgrounds as beneficial to the process.

Speaker Romualdez stressed the importance of a fair impeachment trial, aimed not at targeting individuals but at fulfilling constitutional duties with integrity.

He underscored the House's commitment to presenting evidence based solely on facts and law.

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. acknowledged the presence of legitimate opposition within the government following the recent midterm elections.

His administration is prepared to confront any obstructionists within the ranks, as indicated by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, who denounced actions driven merely by self-interest.

In recent electoral results, six administration candidates were projected to secure seats, a development that has implications for the President’s legislative agenda.

Marcos expressed satisfaction with the election outcome, remarking on the high trust ratings of his administration despite opposition narratives.

The 20th Congress is characterized by a significant representation of independent senators and members of the Nationalist People’s Coalition following the latest senatorial elections.

The landscape suggests a potential shift in alliances as the impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte approaches, with the Senate expected to convene as an impeachment court later this summer.

In related news, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has stated that only through formal protests can concerns regarding electoral discrepancies, including calls for manual recounts articulated by certain candidates, be addressed.

Additionally, observers from the European Union have reported endemic practices of vote-buying in the recent elections, underscoring persistent challenges facing the electoral process in the Philippines.