MANILA — The impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte gained momentum after the House Committee on Justice declared the third complaint against her sufficient in substance.
The panel reached the decision following detailed discussions of the allegations during its hearings. In a vote, 54 members supported the finding, one opposed it, and none abstained.
The complaint, filed by religious leaders and members of the legal community, accuses Duterte of serious constitutional violations and betrayal of public trust.
Allegations Raised
Among the accusations listed in the complaint are:
The alleged accumulation and misuse of over ₱500 million in confidential funds assigned to the Office of the Vice President
The alleged improper handling of at least ₱112.5 million in confidential funds allocated to the Department of Education
Claims of bribery and corrupt practices involving education officials
Allegations of involvement in a conspiracy to assassinate top government officials
Questions surrounding undisclosed assets and alleged unexplained wealth
Alleged acts deemed as political destabilization, including sedition and insurrection
The third complaint received formal endorsement during the committee proceedings, strengthening its standing before the panel.
Legal Process Moving Forward
With the complaint now declared sufficient in substance, the Vice President will formally receive a copy and be given 10 calendar days to respond.
After Duterte’s answer is filed, the complainants may submit a reply within three days, followed by a possible rejoinder from the respondent within another three days. Both sides are required to present affidavits and supporting documents.
The justice committee is mandated to complete its hearings and issue a report within 60 session days. The full House will then deliberate on the recommendation. A vote of at least one-third of all House members is required for the impeachment to prosper.
Should the House approve the Articles of Impeachment, the case will be elevated to the Senate, which will serve as the impeachment court.
Earlier, one impeachment complaint was withdrawn by its proponents, while another was dismissed for violating the constitutional limitation on filing multiple complaints within a year.
Elamigo/
