Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has urged voters to cast their ballots for his party's candidates in May's midterm elections. He says that could help his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, survive her impeachment trial in the Senate.

Rodrigo Duterte spoke to NHK on Thursday during a rally held by his PDP-Laban party. Nine of its candidates are competing for the 12 seats up for grabs in the Upper House. Duterte said, "I hope all of them win to help my daughter in the impeachment."

The House of Representatives impeached the younger Duterte last week with the support of over 200 of the 306 lawmakers.

She's charged with misusing public funds, threatening to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife and the House speaker, and other high crimes. She denies all the allegations.

The Senate trial begins in July. If Sara Duterte is found guilty, she'll be disqualified from holding any public post. She's believed to be considering a run for the presidency in 2028.

Former President Duterte, who was a prosecutor, says he'll help his daughter study the impeachment case.

He himself faces investigation. The International Criminal Court is probing the bloody war on illegal drugs he ordered while in office that is believed to have claimed thousands of lives.