Leaders Face Scandals and Power Struggles

Peru's Congress has ousted interim President José Jerí just four months after he took office due to his failure to disclose meetings with Chinese businessmen, including one under government scrutiny. The scandal, dubbed 'Chifa-gate', led to Jerí's removal with 75 votes to 24. He is the third consecutive president to be ousted, following a tumultuous political landscape in Peru. Jerí's predecessor, Dina Boluarte, was impeached in October last year. The country's Congress will vote on Wednesday for its next interim president as Peru heads towards a general election in April.

Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte has announced her candidacy for president in the 2028 elections, amidst a bitter power struggle with current President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. The two were allies in the 2022 election but have since developed a feud, particularly after Marcos allowed the International Criminal Court to arrest Sara's father, former president Rodrigo Duterte. Sara Duterte is considered her father's political heir and has built a tough image, having served as Davao city mayor during her father's presidency. The announcement comes as she faces an impeachment complaint over alleged corruption, which she denies.

Peru's interim president, José Jerí, was removed from office due to corruption allegations related to the 'Chifagate' scandal, where he was allegedly filmed meeting with a Chinese businessman involved in an energy project and another person under investigation for illegal logging. This ousting marks the seventh president in ten years, further destabilizing the country ahead of the April 12 presidential and congressional elections. Jerí has denied wrongdoing and will return to his role as a legislator. The country will now elect a new head of Congress who will assume the presidency until July 28, 2026. The presidential field remains crowded with conservative businessman Rafael López Aliaga leading in polls and Keiko Fujimori, daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, running second.

Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte has announced her intention to run for the presidency in 2028. She made the announcement during a press conference in Manila, pledging to offer her 'life, strength, and future' in service of the Philippines. Sara Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing charges of crimes against humanity at the Hague, was once allied with current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr but has since become embroiled in a bitter feud with him. The announcement comes as polls suggest Sara Duterte would be a strong contender in a future election, despite facing legal troubles, including impeachment cases filed against her.