Thousands Rally in Quezon City: What’s Behind the Sara Duterte Impeachment Protest?

In a dramatic turn of events on Saturday, various progressive groups gathered at the iconic Boy Scout Circle in Quezon City to stage a massive protest rally calling for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. This growing movement has sparked nationwide discussions — and if you haven’t been paying attention, you might be missing one of the most pivotal political moments of 2025.

So, what triggered the Sara Duterte impeachment protest, and why are people taking to the streets in growing numbers?

Let’s dive deep into this breaking story and uncover what’s really going on.

What Sparked the Call for Sara Duterte’s Impeachment?

The Sara Duterte impeachment protest didn’t arise out of nowhere. Protesters point to several reasons behind their demand for the Vice President’s ousting. Among the most serious accusations is the alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds while Sara Duterte served as Secretary of Education. This issue has been circulating in public discourse for months, with critics questioning the transparency and accountability of how the funds were utilized.

Another key grievance is her perceived silence or alignment with controversial government policies. Many protesters argue that she has failed to take a stand on issues involving democratic rights and press freedom. This silence, they believe, has helped normalize authoritarian tendencies within the government.

Lastly, there’s a growing concern about the militarization of schools and academic spaces. Students and teachers alike are voicing their discomfort with the increasing presence of law enforcement and surveillance in educational institutions, a move they argue stifles academic freedom and open dialogue.

To the groups involved, these are not just political disagreements — they are signs of constitutional violations and abuse of power that demand urgent action.

Who Are the Groups Behind the Protest?

The protest rally saw participation from a wide range of progressive groups, each bringing its own voice and advocacy to the growing call for accountability. Youth organizations like Anakbayan and Kabataan Partylist marched alongside activist political groups such as Bayan Muna and Gabriela. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) also had a strong presence, representing the voice of educators deeply affected by the current administration’s policies.

Together, these groups formed a unified front calling for transparency, accountability, and justice. Their central message — “Impeach Sara now!” — echoed powerfully across the streets of Quezon City.

What Happened at the Protest Rally?

The Sara Duterte impeachment protest was both peaceful and powerful. Participants held high their placards with messages like “No to corruption in education,” “Justice for misused funds,” and “Impeach the Vice President now.” The energy was palpable, and the determination of the crowd was undeniable.

Throughout the event, speeches were delivered by student leaders, teachers, and human rights advocates. They denounced the current political climate and demanded an immediate investigation into the allegations against Sara Duterte. Protesters also staged symbolic performances, including the burning of a mock check representing alleged fund misuse, and musical performances that channeled both anger and hope.

The entire rally was a striking show of unity, with diverse voices merging into a single, clear call for justice.

Is the Impeachment Even Possible?

According to the 1987 Philippine Constitution, a sitting Vice President can be impeached for culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, bribery, graft and corruption, and other high crimes. While the process is long and politically complex, requiring initiation in the House of Representatives and conviction in the Senate, protest organizers believe public pressure can push Congress to act.

Some legal experts have weighed in, saying that if enough evidence is brought forward — especially concerning the alleged misuse of funds — the case for impeachment could be strong.

How Is the Government Responding?

So far, Vice President Sara Duterte has remained silent on the protest. Her allies in Congress have dismissed the rally as politically motivated, accusing opposition forces of exploiting the issue to destabilize the government.

The Palace has also refrained from issuing any strong statement, which has only fueled further public curiosity and suspicion. Analysts note that the silence from the administration may be a strategic move, but it also raises questions about transparency and responsiveness.

Why Should You Care?

This protest isn’t just about Sara Duterte. It’s about how our public officials are held accountable, how education systems are managed, and how citizens’ voices are treated. The Sara Duterte impeachment protest reflects a deeper dissatisfaction, especially among the youth, educators, and civil society groups.

More importantly, it signifies a renewed willingness among Filipinos to demand answers and refuse to normalize questionable governance.

What Happens Next?

The groups behind the Sara Duterte impeachment protest have already announced plans for follow-up actions. Additional rallies are scheduled to take place in major cities like Cebu and Davao. Organizers are also coordinating with international advocacy networks to launch a global day of action that would draw attention to the issue on a wider scale.

With the 2025 midterm elections approaching, this protest could signal a shift in political alignments, public trust, and voter sentiment. If nothing else, it has already succeeded in igniting national conversation and placing the Vice President’s actions under a harsh spotlight.