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.

One of the staunchest allies of Vice President Sara Duterte described her impeachment on Wednesday as a process “railroaded” by the House of Representatives, but expressed confidence she would be able to face the Senate trial with her head held up high.

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte was impeached Wednesday on a range of accusations that include plotting to assassinate the president, large-scale corruption and failing to strongly denounce China's aggressive actions against Filipino forces in the disputed South China Sea.