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Vice President Sara Duterte is facing a surge of impeachment challenges, with a fourth complaint filed just days after the Supreme Court affirmed the unconstitutionality of previous attempts to remove her from office. The latest filing, submitted on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, alleges culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other high crimes, intensifying the political pressure on the second-highest ranking official in the Philippines.

The flurry of complaints comes after a period of relative calm following a Supreme Court ruling in January that effectively halted earlier impeachment proceedings. However, the one-year ban on filing new complaints against the same official has now expired, opening the door for renewed efforts to unseat Duterte. The timing coincides with speculation about her potential future political ambitions, including a possible bid for the presidency, a prospect some observers believe is being strategically leveraged amidst the impeachment proceedings.

Details of the New Complaint

Lawyer Atty. Nathaniel Cabrera filed the fourth impeachment complaint with the Office of the House Secretary General, according to reports from ABS-CBN News. The specific allegations mirror those raised in previous complaints, focusing on alleged misuse of public funds and undeclared wealth. The complaint builds on existing concerns regarding the employ of confidential and intelligence funds allocated to both the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, which Duterte similarly heads as Secretary.

This latest challenge follows three other impeachment complaints filed earlier in February 2026. On February 2nd, two complaints were lodged simultaneously. One, filed by members of the Makabayan coalition and allied groups, accuses Duterte of betraying public trust through actions including allegedly ordering the preparation of fabricated accomplishment reports and refusing to cooperate with congressional oversight during budget deliberations. The other complaint, submitted by civil society organization Tindig Pilipinas and others, alleges betrayal of public trust, a culpable violation of the Constitution, and commission of high crimes. Notably, this complaint includes a claim regarding Duterte’s alleged admission of contracting an assassin to kill President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., a particularly serious accusation.

Political Context and Responses

The renewed impeachment efforts are unfolding against a backdrop of complex political maneuvering. While Vice President Duterte has publicly stated the government should “move on” after the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling, her accusers have demonstrated a clear determination to pursue the matter. Senator Bong Go has emphasized the importance of respecting the Supreme Court’s decision declaring the previous impeachment case unconstitutional, according to Inquirer.net.

The possibility of Duterte launching a presidential bid is also factoring into the equation. Some lawmakers, like Representative Abante, have argued that a presidential run does not serve as a defense against impeachment proceedings. This suggests a belief that the impeachment efforts are not solely focused on removing Duterte from her current position but also on potentially impacting her future political prospects.

Previous Impeachment Attempts

The current wave of impeachment complaints builds upon earlier efforts. In February 2025, the House of Representatives successfully impeached Duterte, approving the measure with a vote of 215 to 306. The charges included culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and other high crimes. However, the Senate later remanded the motion to the House of Representatives, ultimately leading to the Supreme Court’s ruling deeming the proceedings unconstitutional. The Senate vote to remand the motion was 18 in favor and 5 against.

The Palace has indicated that there are currently no ongoing coalition talks with opposition groups, according to The Manila Times. This suggests that the administration is not actively seeking to broaden its support base through formal alliances at this time.

As the House of Representatives now considers these new complaints, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Duterte will once again face impeachment proceedings. The allegations are serious, and the political stakes are high, setting the stage for a potentially contentious period in Philippine politics.

What happens next will depend on the House Committee on Justice’s assessment of the sufficiency of the complaints. The committee will determine whether to proceed with hearings or dismiss the cases. The public will be watching closely to see how this latest chapter in the ongoing saga unfolds.

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A 52-year-old woman recently stopped by police for using her cell phone while driving has sparked a debate after questioning the officers’ methods, reportedly asking, “Are you people just trying to set others up?” The incident, which occurred in Belgium, raises questions about perceptions of law enforcement and the potential for distrust when interacting with authorities.

The woman’s pointed question, as reported by HLN, suggests a belief that the traffic stop was not legitimate or that the police were employing deceptive tactics. While details surrounding the initial stop remain limited, the exchange highlights a growing tension between citizens and law enforcement in some areas.

Details of the incident are still emerging, but it is confirmed that the woman was pulled over for operating a vehicle while using a mobile phone – an offense that carries a fine in Belgium. The use of mobile phones while driving is a significant safety concern, contributing to a substantial number of traffic accidents. According to the Belgian Road Safety Institute (VIAS), distracted driving, including mobile phone use, remains a leading cause of collisions.

The Risks of Distracted Driving

The dangers of using a cell phone while driving are well-documented. Studies have shown that it impairs reaction time, reduces awareness of surroundings, and increases the risk of accidents. Even hands-free devices are not entirely safe, as the cognitive distraction of a conversation can significantly impact driving performance. The Belgian government has implemented stricter regulations and increased penalties in recent years to combat this dangerous behavior.

The incident also touches upon broader concerns about public trust in law enforcement. Perceptions of fairness, transparency, and accountability are crucial for maintaining a positive relationship between police and the communities they serve. When individuals question the motives or methods of law enforcement, it can erode trust and hinder cooperation.

It is currently unconfirmed whether the woman received a citation or if any further action was taken following her questioning of the officers. However, the exchange serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful communication and mutual understanding during interactions with law enforcement.

Recent Incidents Involving Women in Belgium and the Netherlands

This incident occurs amidst other recent news involving women in Belgium and the Netherlands. In September 2025, a 52-year-old Dutch woman died in a traffic accident on the E17 highway in Kruisem, Belgium after a truck suffered a tire blowout and collided with her vehicle. A 52-year-old woman in the Netherlands was recently investigated after making 856 calls to emergency services (112) in just two days, reportedly discussing “demonic matters.” A separate case in Nijmegen, Netherlands, involved a 52-year-old woman allegedly assaulting a healthcare worker shortly after being admitted to a mental health facility.

The investigation into the cell phone incident is ongoing. Authorities have not released further details regarding the officers’ response to the woman’s question or any potential internal review of the traffic stop. As the case develops, it will be key to consider the perspectives of all parties involved and to ensure a fair and transparent process.

What comes next will likely depend on any evidence of improper police conduct. Further investigation may reveal whether the woman’s concerns were justified or if the traffic stop was conducted according to established protocols. The outcome of this case could have implications for future interactions between law enforcement and the public.

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