San Juan City Lone District Representative Ysabel Maria Zamora expressed confidence that the House of Representatives has enough votes to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte.
“I believe we have the numbers,” Zamora, vice chairperson of the House Committee on Justice, said during a forum in Quezon City on Saturday.
She explained that under the 1987 Constitution, at least one-third of the House membership — or 106 out of 318 lawmakers — must approve the articles of impeachment to transmit them to the Senate for trial.
“We need one-third, or around 106 votes… And I believe we have the numbers,” she added.
Zamora said the complaints against Duterte were backed by evidence.
“I assured my colleagues, meron pong kaso,” she noted.
Still, she acknowledged that some members remain hesitant, citing the upcoming 2028 presidential elections, where Duterte has signaled her intent to run.
“Tama po. I admit that some may be dilly-dallying. I admit that some congressmen have more questions compared to last year. Well, of course, dahil paparating na nga po ang next elections,” Zamora said.
“Again, we admit nga po na this is a political process. But as we go along, I believe that our colleagues are seeing the cause that the members of the Committee on Justice are fighting for,” she added.
The House justice panel has issued subpoenas to verify allegations, which will serve as the basis for determining probable cause. Hearings are scheduled to resume on April 14.