A total of 91 lawmakers refrained from supporting the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, citing various political, strategic, and legal reasons. The decision of these lawmakers has sparked discussions on political alliances, upcoming elections, and the influence of key figures in Philippine politics.

Political strategy and senate aspirations

Among the most notable lawmakers who withheld their votes were those eyeing Senate seats in the upcoming 2025 elections. ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, who is a frontrunner in the senatorial race, explained that his decision was based on maintaining impartiality should he become a senator-judge in the impeachment trial. Tulfo stated, “As a top contender in the upcoming senatorial elections, I may be among the new senators tasked with judging the said impeachment complaint. When that time comes, I will meticulously examine every piece of evidence presented before the body.”

Similarly, other senatorial hopefuls, including Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar, Agri Party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee, SAGIP Party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, and 1-RIDER Party-list Rep. Bonifacio Bosita, also chose not to sign the complaint.

SAGIP Rep. Rodante Marcoleta, a known ally of the influential Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), clarified that INC was not against impeachment per se but raised concerns about procedural fairness. “The impeachment process is enshrined in the Constitution, but if it is not carried out properly, it will only lead to further political instability,” he said during an INC rally in Manila. He also questioned why the House was focusing on Duterte’s confidential funds from 2022 and 2023 when the current budget discussions should prioritize 2025.

Regional and family ties

Davao del Sur Rep. John Tracy Cagas stood as the only lawmaker from the Davao Region who signed the impeachment complaint. In contrast, 12 other lawmakers from the Duterte stronghold, including Davao City Reps. Paolo Duterte, Vincent Garcia, and Isidro Ungab did not back the complaint.

Additionally, familial connections influenced some decisions. Notably, Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a former president and Sara Duterte's mentor, refrained from signing. Makati Rep. Luis Campos Jr., the husband of senatorial candidate and Makati Mayor Abigail Binay, also did not sign, even though his wife is part of Marcos' slate.

Other lawmakers with relatives in the Senate who will act as senator-judges in the impeachment trial include:

- Camille Villar, daughter of Sen. Cynthia Villar and sister of Sen. Mark Villar

- Jolo Revilla and Bryan Revilla, sons of Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr.

- Eddie Villanueva, father of Sen. Joel Villanueva

- Dette Escudero, brother of Senate President Chiz Escudero

- Jack Duavit, son of GMA Network’s president and CEO

Angelo Barba, a cousin of President Marcos, is surprisingly one of the representatives who did not sign the impeachment.

The influence of political parties

House Deputy Speaker Camille Villar and Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo are both part of Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, a pro-administration coalition. Meanwhile, Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., president of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), chaired by President Marcos, did not vote despite his party’s alignment with the current administration.

Among the party-list representatives who did not support the impeachment were:

- Claudine Diana Bautista-Lim (DUMPER-PTDA)

- Rodante Marcoleta (SAGIP)

- Erwin Tulfo (ACT-CIS)

- Wilbert Lee (AGRI)

- Michael Romero (1-PACMAN)

- Richelle Singson (AKO ILOCANO AKO)

- Reynaldo Tamayo (ANGAT)

- Eduardo Villanueva (CIBAC)

Implications for Philippine politics

With key figures positioning themselves for the 2025 elections, their choices in the impeachment proceedings may influence voter perceptions and party alliances moving forward. The political ramifications of this vote — or lack thereof — will likely be felt in the coming months as the country approaches another critical electoral cycle.