VP Sara Duterte Impeachment Clears First Hurdle — House Panel Finds Two Complaints Sufficient in Form

The House Committee on Justice found Monday that two of the four impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte are sufficient in form — clearing the first procedural hurdle in what promises to be a dramatic political showdown. The committee, chaired by Batangas Rep. Gerville 'Jinky Bitrics' Luistro, began deliberations at 10 AM at the People's Center.

Of the four complaints filed against Duterte, one was 'set aside' and another — the one filed by Tindig Pilipinas — was voluntarily withdrawn on Sunday to consolidate support behind the third complaint. The two surviving complaints both center on the Vice President's alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds.

The complaints were filed by Makabayan Coalition members, former senator Leila de Lima, and lawyer Nathaniel Cabrera. The third complaint goes further, flagging Duterte's alleged failure to fully disclose assets in her SALNs and possible unexplained wealth — potentially broadening the scope of the proceedings.

With form sufficiency now determined for two complaints, the committee is expected to move on to substance sufficiency as early as Tuesday. If the complaints pass that test, the full House would vote on whether to impeach — requiring only one-third of all members. A Senate trial would follow.

Duterte's camp has consistently questioned the ICC and congressional proceedings against her family. Whether she will participate in the hearings remains unclear. The proceedings come at an already turbulent time for the country, with the Middle East crisis, OFW safety concerns, and economic headwinds all competing for national attention.

Source: ABS-CBN News