The Makabayan bloc is preparing to file a second impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, Kabataan Party-list Representative Raoul Manuel announced on Tuesday.
Manuel said the bloc is collaborating with various people’s organizations to finalize the complaint, which is expected to be submitted to the House of Representatives within the week.
“Leaders from different organizations are eager to be included as complainants,” Manuel said during a press briefing.
“As much as possible, we want to accommodate them so that the filing reflects broad representation from various groups and sectors.”
Allegations and Grounds for Impeachment
The impeachment complaint, spearheaded by BAYAN and supported by around 50 representatives, centers on alleged corruption and misuse of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education, which Duterte also heads.
Additional grounds include:
- Alleged culpable violations of the Constitution
- Graft and corruption
- Bribery
- Betrayal of public trust
- Duterte’s supposed “disrespect” toward the House of Representatives during legislative hearings
The new complaint follows a similar filing on Monday by advocacy groups, civil society organizations, and families of extrajudicial killing victims, endorsed by Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña.
Legislative Process
Manuel expressed optimism about the timeline, noting that Congress resumes session on January 13 after the holiday break.
“There is enough time for senators to address the impeachment complaint, assuming it is forwarded by the House,” Manuel said.
Lower chamber Representatives Geraldine Roman and Jude Acidre affirmed that the impeachment complaint will be processed as part of their constitutional mandate.
Palace Reaction
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin clarified that the Office of the President has no involvement in the impeachment complaint.
“The impeachment complaint is clearly the complainants’ independent initiative, and its endorsement is the prerogative of any Member of the House,” Bersamin said.
Controversial Remarks
The impeachment complaints come amid backlash over Duterte’s recent statement, where she claimed she would have President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez killed if she were assassinated.
Although Duterte later clarified her remarks as taken out of context, they drew criticism from government officials and legal experts alike.