House panel paves way for Sara impeachment

The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability is set to conclude its investigation this week into the alleged misuse of confidential funds by Vice President Sara Duterte, clearing the way for two impeachment complaints filed against her.

In an interview on Sunday, panel chairperson Joel Chua stated that Duterte would still have the chance to address the allegations during hearings by the Committee on Justice, which will handle the impeachment complaints.

“Some are already filing an impeachment complaint against our Vice President, so we have decided to wrap it up so that it can no longer be used [against her],” Chua said. “If Congress takes action on the petitions, it will fall to the Committee on Justice. She will still need to respond to the complaints or anything that requires clarification there.”

Chua revealed that two alleged recipients of the controversial confidential funds — Colonels Raymund Dante Lachica and Dennis Nolasco — had been identified and that the matter would be referred to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for further investigation.

Funds handed

The AFP, which is assessing the case, has announced plans to review potential administrative liabilities for the two military officers. Lachica heads the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group, while Nolasco served as the Department of Education’s (DepEd) designated security officer.

According to Duterte’s special disbursing officers, Gina Acosta and Edward Fajarda, confidential funds totaling P125 million and P37.5 million were handed over to Lachica and Nolasco, respectively, allegedly on Duterte’s instructions.

The funds represented allocations for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and DepEd in 2022 and 2023.

Chua emphasized that his committee’s findings suggest irregularities in the disbursement of the confidential funds. “If the funds were used correctly, they would not have been hidden. Proper utilization would have prevented us from needing to cite witnesses in contempt to compel their attendance,” he remarked.

Legislative measures addressing confidential fund management have been drafted and are expected to be filed next week.

2 cases

Duterte is facing two impeachment complaints filed by coalitions of public school teachers, religious leaders and other groups.

The complaints cite allegations of graft, corruption, bribery, betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution and other high crimes.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco has yet to transmit the impeachment petitions to the Office of the Speaker. Reports suggest that additional complaints may be filed next week.

Under the Constitution, the Secretary General must refer an impeachment complaint to the Speaker within 10 session days of receipt. The Speaker will then forward it to the Committee on Justice, which has 60 session days to determine whether the complaint is sufficient in form and substance.

With Congress set to reconvene on 13 January 2025 after its holiday break, only nine session days remain before the February adjournment for election campaigns. While timelines are tight, the impeachment process could be expedited if at least one-third of House members — 106 votes — support the resolution. Once approved, the case will be forwarded to the Senate for trial.