On Wednesday, February 5, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, paving the way for a challenging trial in the Senate that may result in her disqualification from holding public office.
A total of 215 lawmakers, representing more than two-thirds of the House’s 306 members, supported the resolution that outlined the articles of impeachment to be sent to the Senate.
The complaint submitted to the plenary is a new one, seemingly amalgamating the arguments from the first three complaints initiated by a coalition led by former senator Leila de Lima, along with various leftist organizations and members of the clergy.
The allegations against Duterte include violations of the Constitution related to several incidents:
– Duterte’s claim of a conspiracy to assassinate President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Romualdez.
– The alleged unlawful allocation of P612.5 million in confidential funds during her tenure as head of the Office of the Vice President and as education secretary.
– Accusations of bribery involving Department of Education officials.
– Claims regarding her unexplained wealth.
– Allegations of her involvement in extrajudicial killings in Davao, as stated by former police officer Arturo Lascañas.
– Her purported role in actions aimed at destabilizing the government, including her absence from Marcos’ third State of the Nation Address, her defense of doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy, and her alleged obstruction of congressional investigations by directing her staff to ignore subpoenas.
According to House rules, the lower chamber is required to forward the resolution to the Senate, which will be responsible for conducting the trial of the Vice President, with Senate President Francis Escudero presiding over the proceedings.
Prosecutors Appointed
In line with Section 16, Rule 6 of the Rules of Procedures in Impeachment Proceedings, the following individuals have been designated as prosecutors for the impeachment trial:
- Rep. Gerville Luistro
- Rep. Romeo Acop
- Rep. Rodge Gutierrez
- Rep. Joel Chua
- Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon
- Rep. Loreto Acharon
- Rep. Marcelino Libanan
- Rep. Arnan Panaligan
- Rep. Isabelle Maria Zamora
- Rep. Lorenz Defensor
- Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores
Duterte will continue to hold his position as the complaint is sent to the Senate, which will act as the impeachment court if the case advances to trial. (ZIA LUNA)
