Round 2 Na: House Justice Committee Kicks Off New Impeachment Proceedings Against VP Sara Duterte

Here we go again. The House Committee on Justice officially kicked off impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, March 2 — marking the second time Congress has attempted to remove her from office. But unlike the 2024-2025 saga, this round is taking the longer constitutional route.

None of the four impeachment complaints filed in 2026 managed to secure the one-third House endorsement needed for the constitutional shortcut that would send the case straight to the Senate for trial. That means the committee must first determine whether the complaints are sufficient in form and substance before they can proceed.

Of the four complaints, three remain active. The second complaint — filed by Tindig Pilipinas and endorsed by Representatives Leila de Lima and Perci Cendaña — was withdrawn on Sunday, March 1, with the petitioners saying they would instead support the third complaint filed by Catholic Church members, also endorsed by De Lima.

The allegations remain familiar: misuse of confidential funds, alleged bribery of education officials, unexplained wealth, and the VP's controversial threats against President Marcos and his family. Duterte has issued blanket denials but hasn't responded to individual allegations in detail.

Adding spice to the proceedings, the National Unity Party — the House's second-largest bloc — said it's unlikely to back the impeachment unless new compelling evidence emerges. This comes just a week after Duterte made an early declaration of her 2028 presidential candidacy, further complicating the political landscape.

Source: Rappler