Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima has issued a direct challenge to Vice President Sara Duterte, urging her to stop evading the impeachment proceedings and address the allegations in the interest of constitutional accountability.
De Lima’s statement comes as the House of Representatives prepares for a high-stakes plenary vote on Monday, May 11, to determine whether the Articles of Impeachment will be transmitted to the Senate.
“Tigilan na ang panlilihis sa isyu. Kung talagang walang pinagtatakpan, harapin na lang ni VP Sara ang proseso ng pananagutan,” De Lima said.
The veteran lawmaker and former senator defended the integrity of the House proceedings, dismissing claims that the move to impeach the Vice President is motivated by anything other than a commitment to the law.
“We are engaged and active in the impeachment process out of principle and conviction in the paramount goal of accountability, and not for any other consideration, let alone money. It’s very unfair and baseless to impute illicit objectives on the matter of voting by Members of the House,” she added.
Vice President Duterte has notably skipped all four clarificatory hearings conducted by the House Committee on Justice.
Her absence has left a mounting pile of evidence—including allegations regarding the misuse of confidential funds and unexplained wealth—largely unrebutted on the congressional record.
The House is currently composed of 318 members, meaning at least 106 votes (one-third of the chamber) are required to automatically send the case to the Senate for a full trial. Should the vote succeed, the Senate will then convene as an impeachment court to decide the Vice President’s fate.