The House Committee on Justice on Monday, May 4, unanimously approved its formal report recommending the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, marking a critical step toward a full-scale Senate trial.
The 55-member panel, led by Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro, voted in favor of adopting the committee report and the accompanying resolution that sets forth the Articles of Impeachment against the Vice President.
“Insofar as we have acted on all the proposed amendments of our colleagues, again, I move for the approval of the committee, the attached resolution, setting forth the Articles of Impeachment against the Vice President Sara Z. Duterte as amended,” moved House Deputy Speaker David Suarez.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
- Unanimous Vote: While the motion was approved without objection, Chairperson Luistro called for a physical show of hands to ensure “accuracy of the records.” All 55 members present, including ex officio members, supported the measure.
- Support from the Left: The motion was seconded by Akbayan Representative Perci Cendaña, signaling broad support across various political blocs within the committee.
- Next Steps: The approved report will now be elevated to the House Plenary. For the Articles of Impeachment to be officially transmitted to the Senate, at least one-third of the total House membership (106 out of 318 members) must vote in favor of the complaint.
LOOMING SENATE TRIAL
The House action coincides with the Senate’s resumption of regular sessions. Senate President Vicente Sotto III has already indicated that the Upper Chamber is prepared to act “with dispatch” once the articles are formally transmitted.
The impeachment complaints against the Vice President primarily involve allegations of betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution, specifically regarding the alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds and recent public threats made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other top officials.
If the plenary secures the required 106 votes, the Senate will transform into an Impeachment Court, likely shifting its legislative calendar to accommodate morning committee hearings and afternoon trial sessions.