Lawmakers are weighing the possibility of filing a new impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, with the testimony of alleged former civil intelligence agent Ramil Madriaga being considered as additional basis.
The period barring successive complaints lapses on February 6, after which complainants will decide whether to refile or lodge a fresh case.
ACT Teachers Partylist Representative Antonio Tinio said some groups are awaiting the Supreme Court’s ruling on an appeal to overturn its earlier decision declaring the original impeachment articles unconstitutional.
“Kung sakaling mag-reconsider ang Supreme Court sa decision niya, ibig sabihin nito magpapatuloy na yung trial sa Senado, hindi na kailangan mag-refile,” Tinio explained.
“Pero kung sakaling hindi pa lumabas ang desisyon by February, then maguusap ang mga complainants at malamang mag-decide na mag-refile.”
The focus of any new complaint would remain on the alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds, though Madriaga’s testimony—claiming drug dealers and Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) funded Duterte’s 2022 campaign—may also be included.
“May mga binanggit doon na maaring kaugnay sa paggamit sa confidential and intelligence funds,” Tinio noted.
In 2025, 215 congressmen endorsed impeachment articles against Duterte, but the Supreme Court struck them down citing the one-year ban. Tinio expressed confidence support could again be secured.
“Tingin ko makakakuha pa rin ito ng one-third support, dapat lang. Dahil nanatiling valid, legitimate, at nangangailangan ng pananagutan yung tanong ng kababayan natin: Anong nangyari doon sa confidential funds?” he said.
He added, “Pero kung hindi na makuha ang one-third, ano ba, nagbago na ba ang ihip ng hangin?”
Duterte has dismissed talk of a new complaint, saying it was being used as a bargaining chip ahead of the 2026 national budget deliberations.