By Benjamin Cuaresma
TACLOBAN CITY — A strong majority of lawmakers from Eastern Visayas voted to move forward with the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, signaling growing political support for the complaint even in areas historically linked to the Duterte family.
Of the region’s 17 representatives, only Roger Mercado opposed the impeachment, while Christopherson Yap chose to abstain. The rest voted to elevate the complaint to the Senate for trial.
Among those who supported the move were Martin Romualdez and Marcelino Libanan.
Lawmakers who voted in favor said the decision came after reviewing evidence and testimonies presented during House hearings. The allegations include supposed misuse of confidential funds, violations of the Constitution, and betrayal of public trust.
One of the most closely watched votes came from Richard Gomez, who had earlier opposed the first impeachment complaint but later joined the majority in supporting the second complaint.
In a message addressed to residents of Ormoc City and Leyte’s fourth district, Gomez admitted the decision was difficult and carried political consequences, but stressed that he acted based on what he believed would benefit his constituents.
Several Samar lawmakers, including Reynolds Michael Tan and Stephen James Tan, also changed their previous positions and voted in favor of impeachment.
Meanwhile, Jude Acidre said the volume of documents and testimonies presented before Congress convinced him that the complaint had sufficient basis.
Southern Leyte remained the lone stronghold of resistance in the region, reflecting the province’s longstanding connection with the family of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
ioa/xf
