A historic impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte was filed Monday by advocacy groups and endorsed by Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña.
The complaint, submitted to the House of Representatives Secretary General’s Office, cited culpable violations of the Constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes as grounds for impeachment.
Broad Coalition of Complainants
The impeachment was backed by civil society organizations, religious leaders, sectoral representatives, and families of extrajudicial killing victims. Notable signatories include Teresita Quintos Deles, Fr. Flaviano Villanueva, Fr. Robert Reyes, and former Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano. Former senator Leila De Lima, acting as the group’s spokesperson, highlighted the broad coalition of groups behind the move.
“Most of the grounds for impeachment are present, with 24 articles of impeachment outlined in the 33-page complaint,” De Lima said.
Political Accountability
Cendaña emphasized that the complaint reflects loyalty to the Filipino people rather than political affiliations.
“This marks a critical juncture in our nation’s demand for accountability. Duterte’s alleged violations of the Constitution, corruption, and complicity in mass murder must be answered,” he said.
He criticized the Duterte family’s alleged legacy of impunity, adding, “This impeachment complaint is just the first step to dismantle the entrenched culture of corruption and hold the Dutertes accountable.”
Context of the Complaint
The complaint follows Duterte’s controversial statement about contracting someone to kill President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez if an alleged plot against her succeeded. Duterte later clarified her remarks, claiming they were taken out of context and were not a threat.
Authorities, however, viewed the statements as a potential threat to the President and a national security issue.
Constitutional Mandate
The Office of the Secretary General emphasized that the House is constitutionally obligated to act on verified impeachment complaints.
“Addressing an impeachment complaint is not discretionary for the House of Representatives but a constitutional obligation to preserve institutional integrity and affirm public officials’ accountability,” the statement read.
Senators’ Response
Senators, who may act as judges if the complaint reaches the upper chamber, refrained from commenting. Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel and Senate President Chiz Escudero emphasized the importance of impartiality during impeachment proceedings.
President Marcos’ Position
President Marcos expressed opposition to any impeachment moves against Duterte, saying it would not benefit Filipinos. De Lima clarified that the initiative was independent of the administration’s political interests.
“This is solely the decision of individuals from various groups seeking to hold Duterte accountable, as allowed under the Constitution,” she said.