Foremost Filipino chef Gaita Fores found dead in HK hotel room

 

Gaita Fores, 1959-2025

Renowned Filipino chef Margarita “Gaita” Fores, named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, was found dead in her hotel room in Hong Kong Tuesday. She was 65.

A post by her son, Amado, on Instagram, announced Fores’ passing, calling it “sudden” and “unexpected.” He gave no further details but said their family would be able to give more information in due time.

Another relative told The SUN that Fores was in high spirits shortly before she died inside her room at The Upper House in Pacific Place, Admiralty.

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“She had been travelling to Morocco where she went up a big (hot air) balloon for the first time, then Madrid, and decided to pass by Hong Kong before finally flying back home to Manila,” said the source.

As soon as she got to Hong Kong, she had reportedly posted on social media about the harbor view from her hotel room, and the food she ate at Prince and the Peacock restaurant at nearby Arbuthnot Road, where the Michelin-starred chef was her good friend.

That was apparently the last meal she had, as she was found unresponsive in her hotel room the next day after missing a lunch appointment.

Fores was a two-time cancer survivor, but was not known to have any apparent health problems.

In an article about her and her fellow restaurateur son Amado earlier this month, Fores even mentioned about how she was looking forward to being at her son’s wedding this year.

Gaita and son Amado's culinary journeys were featured in Tatler magazine early this month

Born in March 1959, Fores was a descendant of two wealthy and influential clans, the Aranetas on her mother’s side and the Fores’ on her father’s. Her maternal grandfather, Don J. Amado Araneta, built the Araneta Center complex in Cubao, while her paternal grandfather, Dr. Jose Fores, was one of the founders of the Makati Medical Center.

She started her cooking career in 1986 when she traveled to Italy for four months to learn the country’s language and cuisine. On her return to the Philippines she started a personal catering business until she decided to open her first restaurant Cibo, in 1997. It now has branches all over the Philippines.

Cibo’s success insired Fores to open three more restaurants, Lusso, Grace Park and Alta.

Her biggest accomplishment to date was her being named Asia’s Best Female Chef by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants in December 2016.

The Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong says it is now working on shipping Fores’ remains as soon as possible, in accordance with her family’s wishes.

 

Migrant workers take part in HK Marathon

 

MFMW's runners and supporters at the HK Marathon

A number of foreign domestic workers were among about 74,000 people who took part in the Standard Chartered-Hong Kong Marathon 2025 held on Sunday, with at least three completing the full, 42.195 -kilometer marathon.

The three – Marah Cabania, Carmina Bajarin and Roxanne Banawa – were veteran trailwalkers, but had joined the HK Marathon, one of the city’s biggest sporting events, for the first time.

They ran to raise funds for the Mission for Migrant Workers, one of a number of non-government organizations enlisted as co-partners of the annual race this year.

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All completed the race well within the six hour-time limit set by organizers. Carmina came in first at 4:45:03, Marah at 5:16:39 and Roxanne at 5:21:29. Not a mean feat, considering that the three often could only train on Sundays, their only day-off in the week.

Marah, a veteran of several trail running competitions, including the grueling three-day hk100, said the HK Marathon posed a different challenge.

“Mas ok po sa akin ang trail run kaysa road running. Ang road po kasi matigas (unlike) sa trail na lupa na hindi masakit sa talampakan,” said Marah.

(I like trail running more than road running. The road is more difficult to run on than the soil in trail runs which is gentler and does not cause the soles of my feet to ache).

Marah shows off her medal for completing the full marathon

Marah’s balancing act of doing domestic work while preparing for the numerous running contests she joins on a regular basis were featured in a TV documentary recently. It showed her exercising on the kitchen floor in her employer’s flat in-between chores, and then taking part in the hk100 trail race call the “Grand Sam,” which required her to run for three straight days, and complete a distance of nearly 200 km: 33 km on the first day, 56 km the next day, and 103 km on the third day.

In the same video interview was Indonesian domestic worker Sringatin, who spoke about her role as a spokesperson of Asian Migrants Coordinating Body, a foremost migrant rights group in Hong Kong.

Here is the link to the video interviews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=7s2LlHnFcD4eijQr&fbclid=IwY2xjawIXJahleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHYRtUkGmL2sUsZ7iutrsgTg5OUmvN4roZApw7G47ggmJ0_DRFa6GbDwi1Q_aem_rqojUqApgFKSnNHFhramQw&v=vZHEnDQwuaQ&feature=youtu.be

Sring also took part in the 10-km race of the HK Marathon for the MFMW.

Final preps for the MFMW team before the big race

According to the MFMW, a total of 28 runners from diverse backgrounds listed up for the HK Marathon under its banner. About a quarter ran the full marathon, a few the half-marathon, and the rest, the 10-kilometre race.

The runners were a motley crew of migrant workers from the Philippines and Indonesia who enjoy trail running, young students passionate about drama, and local professionals who excel in fancy rope skipping. Among the migrant workers, a number had lived temporarily at the Mission’s shelter.

“This running initiative provides numerous opportunities to enhance the well-being of the migrant community while promoting cultural diversity and inclusion,” said the MFMW in a Facebook post that showed its runners preparing for the race.

“Despite our varied backgrounds and differing skill levels, we unite in our running practice, learning from one another and fostering a sense of camaraderie.”

The MFMW said all proceeds from the fund-raising will be used for its services and programs that enhance the well-being and empowerment of migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong.

Marites survived the 10-km race 10 years after a major leg surgery

Also among the runners in the 10-km race was Marites Palma, founder of Social Justice for Migrant Workers. She ran to raise funds for Resolve Foundation, which aims to empower leaders from marginalized and disadvantaged communities, including migrant domestic workers.

“Nag join po ako for an inclusive Hon Kong, and for the advancement of SJMW, ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities,” said Marites.

In a Facebook post, she said she had initial doubts about finishing the race because of a major leg surgery she had to undergo in 2015 to remove an aggressive tumor. She was told by her doctor then that she could no longer do long hikes or run for an extended period.

After 10 years she decided not just to run again, but join the 10-km race of the HK Marathon.

“Natapos ko ang 10km run na inspirado dahil napatunayan ko sa sarili ko na kahit may problem noon sa aking left leg ay nakaya ko pa ring tumakbo ng 10km,” said Marites.

She said those who want to donate to her cause may still do so until the end of the month, through this link: https://give.asia/campaign/support-tekla-s-first-time-running-10km-for-an-inclusive-hk-391?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0Rw_0MCZdJFG4zrS1FfYrS61ei6iYKhfm8nSCjcWJK-pFfb5Gxo1gEhjk_aem_NFAMJtYP0MtCW22ITNIPlA#/story

Ex-DH admits drug trafficking, to be sentenced by High Court

 

Tsim Sha Tsui building where Filipina was arrested (Google Maps photo)

A former domestic helper who has overstayed and sought asylum to be able to remain in Hong Kong, pleaded guilty at Eastern Court today to two drug trafficking charges, but her case was elevated to the High Court for sentencing.

Sherlita Guia, 37 years old, was earlier advised by Magistrate Frances Leung, that because of the quantities of drugs she was alleged to have trafficked, her case would be transferred to the High Court in case of a guilty plea, or to the District Court for trial if the plea was not guilty.

Guia was arrested on July 14, 2023 at Tsim Sha Tsui Mansion on Nathan Road, and has been detained since her case was first heard at the Kowloon City Court on Feb. 28 last year.

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The first charge pertains to her trafficking in dangerous drugs, namely 52.17 grams of methaphetamine hydrochloride (otherwise known as shabu or ice) and 339.72 grams of cocaine, at Room 1 of a flat in  Tsim Sha Tsui Mansion.

The second charge arose from her dealing in 26.32 grams of cocaine and 13.3 grams of 3,4-methylenedioxymethaphetamine, at Room 2 of the same flat, which she was renting.

Also seized from the flat were records of drug deals and cash.

A urine test after her arrest showed she was positive for cocaine.

Guia will be in jail to await her next court date, to be set by the High Court.

Memorial mass held for Filipina found dead in employer's home

 (UPDATED)

Notice of memorial mass for Merlyn (from Facebook)

A mass was said on Sunday, Feb. 9, at St Joseph’s Church in Central for a former longtime volunteer who was found dead in her employer’s home in Repulse Bay six days earlier.

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Merlyn Anillo, 41 years old, was found lifeless in her room by her employer who had just returned from a vacation. It’s  believed the Filipina had been dead for about four days before her body was discovered.

A neighbor posted this picture of Merlyn's body being taken away (from Facebook)

According to staff at the Migrant Workers’ Office, cardiac arrest is believed to have caused her death, and no foul play had been detected. But the result of the autopsy could take time.

The MWO said it had been in touch with the deceased Filipina’s employer and her family in Sta Lucia, Ilocos Sur. The family has reportedly asked that the remains be brought home so she can be buried in her hometown. 

According to a close friend, Lhen had complained of having a heart problem and of having undergone depression after a falling out with some fellow volunteers at St. Joseph's church.

She also reportedly told the friend on Thursday, or the day she is believed to have passed on, that she was having palpitations. But when told that she should go and see a doctor, she said she could not as her employer was not in town.

Her friend tried to call her the next day but Lhen no longer picked up. 

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Police said that they received a report at about 1pm on Feb 3 that a "foreign woman" was found collapsed in a house on South Bay Road, Aberdeen. Police who arrived at the scene certified her dead at the scene.

The case has been classified as "dead body found."

Lhen was said to have worked in Hong Kong for 12 years, and was a longtime guitarist at St Joseph's choir.

However, she was forced to leave the church following a dispute with fellow members at the Apostleship of Prayer group in April last year. She then moved on to Mt Carmel Bethany Choir in Wanchai and was with them until her passing.

Her friend, Flor, said Lhen also stopped going out on her days off. After attending church she would reportedly just go back to her employer's house, and declined invitations to meet up elsewhere. She also often spoke of feeling depressed, and of having heart problems.

Flor said she had urged Lhen to seek counseling, but could not go with her as she had to move to Macau last August due to problems with her employment. They kept touch through phone calls, however, and it was Flor that Len had called the day before she passed.

Lhen's friends say her remains will be brought home by air direct from the mortuary on Feb. 15. No public viewing is expected.

DH jailed one year for money laundering

File photo

Another Filipina has been jailed for one year after pleading guilty at Eastern Court to allowing the use of her bank account for laundering of crime money totalling more than $1 million.

Majorie Tayaoa, 44 years old, is the latest in the long list of Filipinas who had been entangled in money laundering by letting other people take control of their bank accounts.

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She was charged with dealing with property known or believed to be proceeds of indictable offense, in violation of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.

Tayaoa admitted allowing the use of her Mox Bank account to receive deposits totalling $1,136,868.02, which were subsequently withdrawn, between July 20 and Aug. 1, 2023.

PINDUTIN DITO

Meanwhile, Jennifer Ducusin, 40 years old, has been remanded in jail after appearing in at Kwun Tong Court last Feb. 7, accused of stealing jewelry and other items worth more than $772,000 plus 2,500 yuan in cash.

A police complaint listed the items she allegedly stole from her employer: three necklaces, 17 rings, five pairs of earrings, eight bracelets, three gold chains, one gold coin, two gold ingots, three pendants, two watches, one handbag, one scarf, one shawl and one ivory scale.

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The theft allegedly happened at her employer’s flat at Green Park in Tseung Kwan O between July and November last year.

 

Road closures overnight due to HK Marathon

 

An estimated 74,000 people are expected to take part in the 2025 HK Marathon
(photo of 2024 race from the HK Marathon-Standard Chatered website)

The Hong Kong Transport Department has reminded the public of road closures in the Yau Tsim Mong area and parts of Aberdeen due to this year’s Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon which will start on Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsu, and ends at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay.

Major sections in the race route will gradually close starting at 11:30pm on Saturday, and will reopen by 2pm on Sunday in phases.

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An estimated 74,000 people are expected to take part in four major races: the full marathon, half-marathon, 10 km race, and the wheelchair race.

The full marathon race will pass through major sections of Nathan Road (from Granville to Argylle streets), Lin Cheung Road, West Kowloon Highway, Stonecutters Bridge, Nam Wan Tunnel, Ting Kau Bridge, Cheung Tsing Tunnel, Tsing Kwai Highway, the Western Harbour Crossing, Connaught Road West flyover, Lung Wo Road, Expo Drive, Hung Hing Road, Lockhart Road, Percival Street, Hennesy Road, Yee Wo Street and Sugar Street, until Victoria Park.

PINDUTIN DITO

The half marathon race route will follow that of the full marathon race from the starting point at Nathan Road to Lin Cheung Road with the turning point at Tsing Kwai Highway and then rejoin the full marathon race route at West Kowloon Highway.

The 10-kilometre race will start at the Island Eastern Corridor (IEC) near the exit/entrance of Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel (CWBT) and pass along the IEC eastwards to the turning point near Oi Tak Street and then return to the finishing point.

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The 10-kilometre wheelchair race will start at Wan Chai Sports Ground and route through Hung Hing Road, Expo Drive, Lung Wo Road and Central Ferry Piers area and then return to run along Lung Wo Road, Hung Hing Road, Marsh Road, Lockhart Road and Hennessey Road heading for the finishing point.

The Wheelchair Trial and Leaders Cup will also start at Wan Chai Sports Ground and route through Hung Hing Road and Marsh Road and then rejoin the 10-km wheelchair race route heading for the finishing point.

All drivers are urged to avoid driving to the affected areas this Sunday.

Meanwhile, a total of 211 daytime bus routes, 33 daytime green minibus routes, 49 overnight bus routes, and six overnight green minibus routes will either be suspended, shortened or diverted.

The road closures will not affect vehicles from Hong Kong Island/Kowloon/New Territories East heading for Hong Kong International Airport and Lantau Island. Vehicles from the New Territories West to the airport and Lantau Island could travel via Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Tunnel.

Due to the closure of the Kowloon-bound carriageway of Ting Kau Bridge, vehicles travelling via Tuen Mun Road or Tai Lam Tunnel to the airport and Lantau Island will be diverted to use Tsuen Wan Road, Tsuen Tsing Interchange, Tsing Tsuen Road, Tsing Tsuen Bridge and Tsing Yi North Coastal Road to enter Tsing Ma Bridge.

Commuters headed towards any of the affected areas are advised to take alternative routes or other modes of transportation.

Chilly mornings expected to end next week

 

Tsim Sha Tsui as of 9pm (Photo from HK Observatory)

Hong Kong will again wake up to a cold 9 degrees Celsius early tomorrow, but this could be the last of this week’s chilly mornings as the warmth of an easterly airstream rolling into Southern China begins to be felt.

The intense winter monsoon which has brought cold weather “will be replaced gradually by a fresh to strong easterly airstream early next week,” the Hong Kong Observatory said in today’s forecast.

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Tomorrow (Sunday) will have fair weather, with temperatures ranging from 10 to 16 degrees.

Temperatures are expected to turn around on Monday, with a range from 12 to 18 degrees.

PINDUTIN DITO

Warmer and cloudy weather is expected on Tuesday, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 19 degrees.

The rest of the week will see temperatures ranging from 16 to 20 degrees, with the weather expected to be misty with one or two rain patches, the Observatory said.

Basahin ang detalye!

 

8 persons arrested in new anti-illegal work raids

 

These 2 women were among those arrested in the anti-illegal work raids

Eight persons have been arrested as the Immigration Department resumed its anti-illegal work operations after the Lunar New Year.

Those arrested in four consecutive days of raids from Feb 3 to 6 comprised six suspected illegal workers, one employer and one aider and abettor.

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Targeted in the operations were 42 locations, including commercial and residentialpremises and retail shops.

The suspected illegal workers comprised two men and four women, aged 26 to 58. One man, aged 61, was suspected of employing the illegal worker while a woman aged 65 was charged with aiding and abetting a person in breaching the condition of stay.

PINDUTIN DITO

Any person who takes up a job, whether paid or unpaid, without permission from the Immigration Department, is liable for breaching the condition of stay, and could be sentenced to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years in prison.

These include visitors not allowed to take up employment in the city, as well as aiders and abettors.'

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Illegal workers who are subject to a removal or deportation order, overstayers or those refused permission to land are subject to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years' imprisonment.

Employers of illegal workers are subject to the more serious penalty of a maximum fine of $500,000 and up to 10 years in prison. An immediate custodial sentence is also prescribed in line with a High Court ruling.

According to the sentencing guidelines, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment.

Apart from inspecting a prospective employee's identity card or a valid travel document, the employer should make reasonable enquiries concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings.

Immigration warns employers not to employ illegal workers as it remains resolute in combating such offences.

2 DHs jailed for stealing from their employers

 

2 DHs jailed for stolen jewelry (Photo illustration)

Two Filipina domestic helpers have been jailed after they admitted in separate courts to have stolen property from their employers.

April Love Mahigne, 42 years old, had the longer jail term at eight months, meted on her by Acting Principal Magistrate Ko Wai-hung at Kowloon City Court on Thursday (Feb. 6).

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She pleaded guilty to stealing three bracelets, two pairs of earrings and two rings with a total value of $120,000.

The offense happened at her emplyer’s flat in The Waterfront in Yau Ma Tei between Sept. 14 and Nov. 22 last year.

PINDUTIN DITO

At Kwun Tong Court, Eddielyn Balimbin. 45 years old, was sentenced by Acting Principal Magistrate Leung Ka-kie to four weeks in jail after she pleaded guilty today to theft.

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The penalty came after she admitted stealing a pair of gold and dragon bangle, one gold bracelet, one gold bangle, one platinum ring and one gold necklace at her employer’s flat in Ocean Wings in Tseung Kwan O between July 2023 and Dec. 25, 2024.

122 deaths reported as HK enters flu season

 

Get the flu shot now, health experts say

Hong Kong health authorities have renewed a call for residents to get flu shots after 122 deaths were recorded in the four weeks since the influenza season began early January.

According to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), a total of 199 adults were put under intensive care on admission since the city entered the flu season, mostly elderly people.

More than 70 percent of the adult patients in these cases were unvaccinated, while 90 percent of those who died were aged 65 and above.

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Separately, nine cases of children contracting severe flu complications were reported, and seven of them were unvaccinated.

CHP controller Edwin Tsui warned flu cases are still on the rise, with the peak season lasting between three to four months.

“With reference to previous surveillance data, virus activity will continue to increase for a period of time after the start of the influenza season before peaking,” Tsui said. “Currently available data indicate that the influenza activity level is still on the rise.”

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Tsui warned Hong Kong people who are traveling to keep an eye on the flu situation at their destinations before departing. The places where the flu activity remains at a high level include mainland China, Japan, Korea, Europe and North America.

In addition, Tsui said they should take adequate protective measures, such as getting vaccinated as soon as possible and to wear masks when in crowded places.

 “All persons aged above six months… particularly the elderly and children who have a higher risk of becoming infected with influenza and developing complications, should act immediately to minimise the risk of serious complications and death after infection,” Tsui said.

The CHP statement was issued a few days after popular Taiwanese celebrity Barbie Hsu had reportedly died from flu-related pneumonia while on vacation in Japan.

Her death appeared to have sparked a rush for the flu jab among people in Hong Kong.

As of Sunday, more than 1.9 million doses of flu vaccine have been administered in Hong Kong, a 6.4 per cent increase compared with last year.

The number of schools taking part in CHP’s flu vaccination program has also risen this year, with 98 percent of kindergartens, child care centres, primary and secondary schools taking part.

Last year, only 80 percent of kindergartens and child care centers participated.

The vaccination rate among children aged six months to two years old remain comparatively low at around 21 percent.

 

Filipino fined $1,500 for assault on another

 

The bus stop where incident happened (Photo from Google Maps)

A Filipino was declared guilty of common assault on a fellow Filipino and fined $1,500, at the conclusion of his trial today at Eastern Court.

Deputy Magistrate Poon Chi-ming set aside the testimony of Mark Anthony Malunao, a 36-year-old bar tender, denying that he threw a punch at Agustin Paeste, at about 8pm on June 24, 2023 at the bus stop on Chater Road, near the Cenotaph.

Magistrate Poon instead gave more weight to the testimony of Paeste, who said he was walking away from a gathering of men that included Malunao, when he was punched from behind, hitting his left cheek. As a result, he stumbled to the ground, causing two wounds on his scalp.

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After being given first aid, he was taken by ambulance to the Queen Mary Hospital.

At first, he said, he did not know who hit him but a video of the incident surfaced on social media which identified Malunao as his assailant.

According to Paeste, the altercation started when Malunao arrived at a gathering at the sidewalk across from the Chater Road bus stop. Malunao told the group he peed on his pants.

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When Paeste agreed, Malunao pushed him on the chest. Paeste said he did not want to fight and walked away, after which he was punched from the back.

In his testimony, Malunao said Paeste pointed too close to his crotch while saying he peed on his pants, so he reacted by pushing him on the chest, resulting in the latter walking away.

He later heard a commotion across Chater Road, and walked over to find Paeste in the ground. He then walked away.

A police officer testified that he arrested Malunao after the incident.

Philippine House of Reps votes to impeach VP Sara

 

Duterte is the first Philippine Vice President to be impeached (Getty Photos)

The Philippine House of Representatives voted Wednesday to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, and immediately sent the articles of impeachment to the Senate for trial.

A total of 215 lawmakers endorsed the fourth impeachment complaint against VP Duterte, a day before the current session of Congress is set to end.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez announced the approval of the impeachment complaint, saying the vote it garnered was more than the required one-third of all members of the lower chamber.

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The impeachment complaint was received by the Senate Secretary just before 6pm. A date for the trial has yet to be set.

The articles of impeachment against Duterte is based on the grounds of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.

Last month, three groups filed separate impeachment complaints against the Vice President, accusing her of various crimes ranging from the misuse of hundreds of millions of pesos in govenment funds to plotting against the life of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

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The Philippines’ 24 senators must now set a trial date for the impeachment complaint. It needs the vote of at least two-thirds of all senators to pass muster.

The impeachment vote comes days before the start of campaigning for mid-term elections in the Philippines, seen to set the tone for the 2028 presidential race.

Duterte, who was expected to succeed his father Rodrigo R. Duterte as president in 2022, took a back seat to President Marcos instead, and ran as his vice-president. She is now seen as the frontrunner for the top post in the 2028 elections.

The relationship between the country's two top officials soured after Duterte was asked to appear before the House for her alleged misuse of hundreds of millions of pesos in confidential funds alloted to her both as vice president and former secretary of education.

In retaliation, Duterte said in a live social media broadcast that she had asked someone to kill Marcos if she was herself assassinated.

The Vice President has yet to respond to the impeachment move, but her elder brother, Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte slammed it as political persecution.

Rep. Duterte said he was “appalled and enraged” by what he called as desperate and politically motivated efforts to railroad the vice president’s impeachment.