The House of Representatives has formally accepted the impeachment complaint filed against Vice President Sara Duterte.
House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco received the complaint at around 4:30 PM, submitted by 17 complainants from various civil society groups.
Velasco stated that the House is constitutionally mandated to act on impeachment complaints under the 1987 Constitution.
He clarified that responding to an impeachment complaint is not a discretionary act but a constitutional obligation of the House.
Akbayan Representative Perci Cendana endorsed the complaint, describing it as historic given it targets the second-highest leader in the country.
Cendana emphasized that Filipinos deserve ethical, accountable, and committed public servants who do not misuse their authority for personal gain.
Former Senator Leila de Lima, acting as the spokesperson for the complainants, named the 17 signatories in the complaint.
The signatories include prominent figures such as Teresita Quintos Deles, Fr. Flaviano Villanueva, and former Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano.
De Lima revealed that the articles of impeachment cite five grounds: culpable violations of the Constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes.
She added that while the complaint lists these violations, treason is notably absent from the charges.
