Former senator Leila de Lima, spokesperson for the complainants of the first impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, has called on the House of Representatives to promptly address the filed complaints, emphasizing the need for accountability and adherence to constitutional duties.
The initial impeachment complaint, lodged on December 2, 2024, accuses Vice President Duterte of 24 offenses, including graft, bribery, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes. Allegations encompass her purported involvement in extrajudicial killings during her tenure as Davao City mayor and failure to oppose China’s actions in the South China Sea.
A second complaint, filed on December 4, 2024, by activists led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, cites betrayal of public trust over the alleged misuse of confidential funds during Duterte’s time as Secretary of the Department of Education. Investigations revealed discrepancies, with the Philippine Statistics Authority noting that many recipients listed in acknowledgment receipts lacked birth records.
A third complaint was submitted on December 19, 2024, by a coalition of Catholic priests, civil society leaders, and lawyers, focusing on alleged anomalous disbursements of confidential funds to the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education during Duterte’s tenure.
Despite these filings, House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco indicated that some lawmakers are adopting a “wait and see” approach, especially following a rally by Iglesia ni Cristo opposing the impeachment efforts.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has dismissed the impeachment proceedings as inconsequential, referring to them as a “storm in a teacup” and expressing concerns that they may distract Congress from more pressing matters.
De Lima emphasized that any delay in addressing the complaints could undermine public trust and the constitutional role of the House. She urged the House leadership to act with transparency and integrity, stating, “The time to act is now. We urge the House to proceed with transparency, urgency, and integrity.”
The House of Representatives, dominated by allies of President Marcos, holds the authority to deliberate on the impeachment complaints. The process could extend over several weeks or months, potentially overlapping with legislative recesses and the forthcoming midterm elections.