House Secretary General Reginald Velasco confirmed on Friday that all three impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte over the alleged misuse of confidential funds have been verified.
The complaints, endorsed late last year, are now ready for transmittal to the office of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. The Speaker has 10 days to include them in the House plenary’s Order of Business, after which the plenary has three days to refer them to the House justice committee.
Velasco stated that the transmittal may happen next Thursday, as some House members have requested additional time to file a fourth impeachment complaint or endorse one of the existing complaints.
Addressing Perceptions of Delay
Velasco dismissed concerns about delaying the process, explaining that the House cannot act on the complaints until sessions resume on January 13. He emphasized that the Rules on Impeachment do not impose a specific deadline for the Secretary General to transmit complaints, though he assured action would be taken.
“It would be negligence on my part if I do not transmit the complaints,” Velasco said.
Calls for Action
Akbayan Partylist Representative Perci Cendaña, who endorsed the first impeachment complaint, urged the House leadership to act promptly.
“One month is too long. Failing to hold Sara Duterte accountable sets a bad example for public officials. The time has come for the House to act,” Cendaña said.
Cendaña also highlighted the importance of accountability for abuse of power, adding that complainants are ready to participate in any collective actions related to the process.
Sara Duterte Responds
Vice President Duterte previously welcomed the impeachment complaints, viewing them as an opportunity to address the allegations. She expressed relief that the accusations focus solely on her, sparing her colleagues at the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).