VP Sara faces second impeachment complaint

Vice President Sara Duterte faces another impeachment complaint merely two days after the first petition to remove her from office was filed at the House of Representatives, the turf of her fiercest critics. 

At least 75 individuals from various sectors, including public school teachers, student and religious leaders, government employees, human rights victims, and former members of Congress lodged the complaint against Duterte on Wednesday. They accuse her of betrayal of public trust. 

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco received the complaint at 3:30 PM.

Makabayan lawmakers France Castro, Arlene Brosas, and Raoul Manuel endorsed the impeachment complaint, unfazed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order to House members to halt any efforts to oust Duterte.

The coalition said Duterte betrayed public trust when she “abused her discretionary powers” over P612.5 million in confidential funds, and “mocked the audit processes” by ordering subordinates to prepare accomplishment reports supported by “fabricated documents.”

The group also argued that Duterte’s “willful refusal” to recognize Congress’ oversight functions by skipping budget deliberations and skirting questions on her use of public funds were also a factor in her impeachment.

"When confronted with legitimate questions about her use of these funds, she responded not with the transparency her oath demands, but with threats and intimidation… This conduct represents not merely a failure to uphold her oath, but an active campaign to undermine the very principles of accountability that oath was meant to protect,” the complaint reads.

“The betrayal of public trust evident in respondent’s actions represents a fundamental breach of the covenant between public servant and citizen — a breach so severe that it can only be remedied by her removal from office through impeachment with the penalty of permanent disqualification from holding public office,” it added.

Ex-lawmaker and human rights lawyer Neri Colmenares, one of the signatories in the document, said the complaint primarily centered on betrayal of public trust because it constitute “various offenses.”

He emphasized that citing one ground for impeachment could also expedite the process of Duterte’s removal from office.

Graft and corruption, bribery, betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the constitution, treason, and other high crimes all are grounds for impeachment.

The first impeachment complaint lodged by civil society groups on Monday cited all these grounds — except for treason — and 24 articles of impeachment.

This includes Duterte’s alleged misuse of her secret funds, her meltdowns, and threats to key government officials, particularly her former ally, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The filing of the impeachment complaints came in the thick of the House probe into the alleged irregularities in the use of P612.5 million in confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (P500 million) and the Department of Education (P112.5 million) in 2022 and 2023 during her stint as its secretary.

Duterte, however, denied the allegations, calling the House probe “well-funded” and a “coordinated political” aimed at discrediting her to prevent future political contests.

The inquiry revealed among others, the “highly suspicious” acknowledgment receipts, which lawmakers believe were fabricated or hastily submitted to the Commission on Audit to justify the use of millions in confidential funds.

Administration lawmakers are pessimistic about whether the impeachment complaints will prosper given the potential time constraints owing to the upcoming mid-term elections. 

Nevertheless, they asserted they were duty-bound to act on the petition regardless of possible challenges and limitations, including the marching orders from Marcos.

Marcos had earlier confirmed that he asked his allies in the House to refrain from initiating impeachment complaints against Duterte because it would be a “waste of time” and “none of this will help improve a single Filipino life.”

The Makabayan bloc slammed Marcos for “interfering” and “influencing” members of Congress, which they claimed was a blatant violation of the separation of powers.

Meanwhile, Velasco assured that the House will remain fair and impartial in the impeachment proceedings.

“We assure the public that this process will be conducted with integrity, guided by the principles of due process and adherence to the Constitution,” he said.

The constitution mandates the House Secretary General to refer the impeachment complaint to the House Speaker and within 10 session days from receipt, the document shall be included in the Order of Business.

Afterward, the complaint should then be referred within 3 session days to the House Committee on Justice, which shall then determine whether the complaint is sufficient in form and substance.