As Philippines’ Duterte clan faces its gravest crisis yet, VP Sara could be ‘very dangerous’ to Marcos

However, Duterte-Carpio has been openly fighting back, unleashing her own brand of vitriol through social media and agitating her allies to try to unseat the president and succeed him.

Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV warned that Duterte-Carpio remains dangerous since she is constitutionally the direct successor to the president should anything happen to Marcos Jnr.

“For as long as she is VP, she’ll be very dangerous. In fact, her being VP is the only thing that is keeping the Dutertes from being politically obliterated,” he told This Week in Asia.

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives, led by Marcos Jnr’s cousin Speaker Ferdinand Romualdez Jnr, launched an investigation into Duterte’s administration. The probe, supported by a House resolution, will examine Duterte’s drug war, his links to Chinese syndicates that he allegedly favoured with online gaming contracts, and other financial “anomalies”.

Lawmakers have suggested they may summon Duterte for questioning, which could lead to his testimony being used in court, including the ICC.

The Hague-based court is investigating Duterte and police officials for his brutal drug war that human rights activists believe led to the deaths of at least 20,000 civilians.

The Duterte administration has officially placed the number of drug dealers and addicts killed at fewer than 7,000.

Should Duterte refuse to appear, he can be cited for contempt and a warrant of arrest issued against him.

Duterte-Carpio has also been dragged into the House investigation. On Tuesday, the Commission on Audit was tasked to give a detailed report on how the Office of the Vice-President has used its funds. Some lawmakers have also hinted that impeachment complaints may be filed against her.

Despite the