The House of Representatives on Monday voted overwhelmingly to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, marking the second consecutive impeachment case against her and casting uncertainty over her announced 2028 presidential bid.
Overwhelming Vote in Favor
A total of 257 out of 318 lawmakers supported the motion to transmit the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate, surpassing the one-third constitutional requirement and exceeding the 240 votes recorded during her previous impeachment proceedings last year. Twenty-six lawmakers opposed the motion, while nine abstained.
Defense Response
In a statement issued after the vote, Duterte's defense spokesperson, Atty. Michael Poa, said the Vice President's legal team was prepared to face the Senate trial once lawmakers convene as an impeachment court. "We are aware of the action taken by the plenary and with that vote to transmit the Articles of Impeachment, the burden now rests on the accusers to substantiate their claims in accordance with the Constitution, the law, and rules on evidence," Poa said. He added that while constitutional questions remain pending before the Supreme Court, the defense is "fully prepared" to argue Duterte's case before the Senate.
Key Allegations
One of the central allegations involves the supposed irregular handling of P612.5 million in confidential funds under the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, which Duterte previously headed. Other charges cite alleged discrepancies in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN), billions of pesos in suspicious transactions flagged in AMLC records, and claims of cash payouts to DepEd personnel. The fourth article centers on Duterte's November 2024 remarks in which she allegedly said she had contracted an assassin against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Procedural Defense
House Committee on Justice chairperson Gerville Luistro defended the impeachment proceedings, saying lawmakers were acting in accordance with the Constitution and emphasizing accountability and truth in governance.
Next Steps
Under the Constitution, the Senate will now conduct an impeachment trial. A conviction would remove VP Duterte from office and permanently disqualify her from holding any public position.
