A Philippine official says Vice President Sara Duterte has been impeached by the House of Representatives after more than the required number of legislators signed a petition to remove her from office.

The Philippines' lower house has impeached Vice President Sara Duterte, the daughter of the country's firebrand former president, setting the stage for a rare, high-profile trial in the Senate.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday impeached Vice President Sara Duterte, the first time that the second highest official of the Philippines was formally charged