MANILA, Philippines — In a tactical move to streamline the legal challenge against Vice President Sara Duterte, the civil society leaders and clergy behind the second impeachment complaint have officially withdrawn their filing to give “full support” to a third, more comprehensive complaint.
The group Tindig Pilipinas, led by Kiko Aquino Dee, announced the decision on Sunday, March 1, 2026. The petitioners—which include former Senator Leila de Lima and Representative Percival Cendaña—stated that the third complaint already encompasses the same serious allegations and substantial evidence as their own.
- The Goal: To expedite the process and move the case to the Senate for trial as quickly as possible.
- The Quote: “We believe that the impeachment process must proceed at the earliest possible time, free from procedural limbo and unnecessary legal delays,” the group said in a statement.
Despite the withdrawal of the specific second filing, the grounds for impeachment against the Vice President remain severe across the remaining complaints:
- Misuse of Funds: Allegations center on the ₱612.5 million in confidential funds utilized by the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.
- Corruption & Bribery: Claims of “plunder” and gross abuse of discretionary powers.
- Betrayal of Public Trust: Citing her previous public admission of hiring an assassin to target President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
In response to the mounting legal pressure, Vice President Duterte recently declared her intention to run for President in the 2028 elections.
- Her Defense: She has branded the impeachment proceedings and congressional hearings as “scripted” and “politically motivated” attempts to destroy her reputation before the next national vote.
- The Reaction: Members of the Makabayan bloc dismissed her 2028 announcement as a “calculated distraction” meant to divert public attention away from the corruption charges.
By consolidating the complaints, the opposition aims to present a unified front in the House of Representatives, ensuring that the impeachment process remains focused on a single, strong legal track rather than multiple overlapping cases.