Sara Duterte Impeachment Watch: House Votes Could Hit 180, Senate Trial Still Uncertain
House leaders say support for impeaching Vice President Sara Duterte could go far beyond the 106-vote threshold, but the Senate trial path may still face hurdles.
The impeachment push against Vice President Sara Duterte is shaping up to be one of the biggest political stories in the country, with House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno saying the vote could reach around 180 lawmakers.
Puno, who chairs the National Unity Party, said at least 30 NUP members are expected to vote to send the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate. He also cited possible support from Lakas-CMD, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, the Nationalist People's Coalition, party-list lawmakers, and Liberal Party members.
The House needs at least 106 votes, or one-third of its 318 members, to move the case forward. House Senior Deputy Majority Leader Lorenz Defensor said more lawmakers may vote yes because Duterte's camp did not rebut the evidence presented in committee hearings.
Supporters of the proceedings, including 1Sambayan, argue that the case is about accountability and not political harassment. But Puno also said the numbers remain fluid, as lawmakers are expected to consult their districts before taking a final stand.
Even if the Articles of Impeachment reach the Senate, the trial path may still get complicated. Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said convening as an impeachment court is an automatic constitutional duty, but a majority of senators could still try to block the proceedings, likely setting up a fight that may reach the Supreme Court. Source: Philstar.com
