TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — The three district representatives of Bohol formally explained their votes on the historic impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, following the plenary vote held on Monday, May 11, 2026.
The lawmakers—Alexie Besas-Tutor (3rd District), Vanessa Aumentado (2nd District), and Edgar Chatto (1st District)—emphasized that their decisions were the culmination of extensive district consultations, framing the outcome as a direct reflection of their constituents’ sentiments.
In a rare moment of alignment, all three Boholano legislators cast their votes regarding the articles of impeachment, which include charges of betrayal of public trust and violation of the Constitution.
- Rep. Alexie Besas-Tutor (3rd District): Cast a “NO” vote against the impeachment. Tutor, in a viral interview, asserted that her decision was not a defense of the individual, but a defense of the mandate given by her voters. “It reflects the voice of my people,” she said, noting that her district remains a stronghold for the Vice President.
- Rep. Vanessa Aumentado (2nd District): Also voted “NO”, citing the need for “national stability” during a period of economic uncertainty. Aumentado emphasized that the impeachment process was perceived by many in her district as “divisive” and “politically motivated.”
- Rep. Edgar Chatto (1st District): Cast a “YES” vote, aligning with the House majority. Chatto explained that the evidence presented in the Committee on Justice hearings provided “compelling grounds” for the case to be tried in the Senate. He maintained that his vote was about “accountability and the rule of law.”
Before the May 11 vote, the three lawmakers conducted various “town hall” style meetings and digital surveys across the province.
- District Pulse: Both Tutor and Aumentado reported that over 70% of their surveyed constituents were against the removal of the Vice President.
- Legal Rigor: Chatto’s camp noted that while the sentiment was mixed in the first district, the prevailing feedback from local legal and academic circles favored a full trial to clarify the allegations regarding the use of confidential funds.
The Boholano lawmakers’ votes were part of a broader House plenary session where 218 members voted to impeach Vice President Duterte, easily surpassing the required one-third threshold (103 votes).
- The Charges: The articles of impeachment primarily focus on the alleged “misuse of confidential and intelligence funds” and “culpable violation of the Constitution” related to the 2022 and 2023 budget cycles.
- Senate Bound: With the House’s formal endorsement, the articles are now being transmitted to the Senate, which will soon convene as an Impeachment Court.
The split vote among the Boholano bloc has sparked intense debate in local politics, particularly as the province prepares for the 2028 elections.
“Bohol has always been a thinking province. While our representatives may differ in their final judgment, the fact that they went back to the grassroots to listen is a win for our local democracy.” — Local political analyst in Tagbilaran.