MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives may secure more than 200 votes to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, potentially matching or nearing the 215 lawmakers who backed a previous impeachment effort last year, according to sources within the chamber.
Insiders said a significant number of legislators have already expressed support for the impeachment report prepared by the House committee on justice, which is set for plenary debates beginning May 11.
Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon said lawmakers are confident the impeachment will move forward soon.
“We’re expecting the Vice President to be impeached next week,” Ridon said.
He added that reaching 215 votes is “attainable at best,” well above the constitutional requirement of at least one-third of the House, or 106 out of 318 members.
“So 106 is all but certain, it’s just a matter of how many more votes we can secure,” he told reporters.
CONFLICTING CLAIMS ON SUPPORT
While one source claimed the report already has backing from around 200 lawmakers, another disputed this, saying more work is needed to reach that number.
What is confirmed is that 55 lawmakers, all members of the House justice committee, have voted to approve the impeachment report detailing the charges against Duterte.
‘FAKE LIST’ RAISES QUESTIONS
Ridon also cast doubt on a social media list claiming that 15 lawmakers had withdrawn their support for the impeachment, pointing out the presence of a non-existent name.
“Is there a congressman named Bier Rodriguez? None,” he said.
The list included at least four members of the justice panel, but some of those named have denied withdrawing their support.
Baguio City Rep. Mauricio Domogan dismissed his inclusion as “fake news,” noting that he had just voted to approve the committee report recommending the articles of impeachment be sent to the plenary.
An aide to Leyte Rep. Anna Victoria Veloso-Tuazon also clarified that her absence from the final report signing was due to being on leave, not a withdrawal of support.
She had signed the initial draft of the report.
ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE VICE PRESIDENT
The impeachment complaint accuses Duterte of misuse of confidential funds, bribery, and unexplained wealth.
It also cites her alleged online death threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
DUTERTE REMAINS UNFAZED
Duterte, who is currently in The Hague visiting her detained father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, said she remains unaffected by the impeachment push.
“I’ve always been like this, even before I was Vice President. I don’t think my disposition will change because of a few problems,” she told reporters.
However, she questioned why some lawmakers appear certain that her impeachment will proceed.
She also said that while some political allies may have distanced themselves, she believes she continues to have public support.
Background
Impeachment proceedings in the Philippines begin in the House of Representatives, where at least one-third of members must support the complaint for it to be transmitted to the Senate.
The Senate then convenes as an impeachment court, where a conviction would require a two-thirds vote and would result in removal from office and permanent disqualification from holding public position.