MANILA, Philippines — Chel Diokno and Leila de Lima expressed confidence that the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte will gain sufficient support when it reaches the plenary session of the House of Representatives.
The House committee on justice on Wednesday unanimously found probable cause in two impeachment complaints against Duterte, clearing the way for the case to be taken up by the full chamber.
Diokno said he expects the process in plenary to proceed without major obstacles, adding that the articles of impeachment could be transmitted to the Senate within May.
De Lima, for her part, said the committee’s unanimous vote, supported by 53 members, signals momentum for the complaint. She noted that at least one-third of the House, or 106 lawmakers, must vote in favor of the articles of impeachment for the case to move to the Senate.
The lawmaker also pointed to constitutional provisions stating that once the required number of representatives endorse the complaint, the Senate must proceed with a trial “forthwith.”
Legal counsel for one of the complainants, Amando Ligutan, said they were satisfied with the committee’s finding and expressed optimism that the plenary would uphold the decision. He added that the case presents an opportunity to demonstrate accountability regardless of rank.
The impeachment complaints against Duterte include allegations of misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, and threats made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family.
If at least one-third of House members approve the articles, the Senate will convene as an impeachment court to conduct a trial. A conviction would result in Duterte’s removal from office and disqualification from holding future public office.
In a statement issued after the hearing, Duterte’s legal team said the committee’s decision was “not unexpected,” but argued that the proceedings had deviated from constitutional limits by expanding beyond the verified complaints and supporting documents.
