The House of Representatives has impeached Vice President Sara Duterte, securing over 153 signatures from its members on Wednesday, pushing the case forward to the Senate for trial.
This move comes after three impeachment complaints were filed against Duterte, accusing her of misusing confidential funds, involvement in graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust—charges that are grounds for impeachment under the 1987 Constitution.
Key Allegations
The first complaint, spearheaded by Akbayan Party-List Representative Perci Cendaña, claims that Duterte failed to account for ₱125 million in confidential funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in 2022. It also highlights ₱7 billion in unliquidated cash advances from her time as Secretary of Education. The complaint points to Duterte’s refusal to participate in budget hearings, accusing her of undermining the constitutional system of checks and balances.
A second complaint, filed by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), also centers on betrayal of public trust, particularly the alleged misuse of confidential funds. Bayan Muna chairperson Neri Colmenares emphasized that the charge of betrayal of public trust covers all aspects of the allegations.
The third complaint, filed by a coalition of Catholic priests, civil society leaders, and lawyers, broadens the accusations to include plunder, malversation, bribery, and graft and corruption. It claims Duterte, in her roles as head of both the OVP and the Department of Education (DepEd), had direct oversight of the release of ₱125 million in confidential funds for the OVP in 2022 and ₱112.5 million for DepEd in 2023.
House Hearings and Testimonies
In recent House hearings, it was revealed that OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta confirmed the release of ₱125 million in confidential funds to Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, commander of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group, in December 2022. DepEd SDO Edward Fajarda also confirmed that ₱37.5 million in confidential funds were transferred to Col. Dennis Nolasco in early 2023. Both officials stated these transactions were carried out under Duterte’s direct orders.
Despite initial delays in moving forward with the complaints, including waiting to see if a fourth complaint would be filed, public pressure led to action. Protests led by Representative Cendaña at the EDSA People Power Monument earlier this week urged Congress to take decisive action.
Senate Trial Ahead
With the House vote secured, the case now moves to the Senate, where a trial will determine whether Vice President Sara Duterte will be removed from office.
