MANILA, Philippines — Civil society leaders and clergy who filed the second impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte are formally withdrawing their case, saying they will now give their “full support” to the third complaint.
Tindig Pilipinas, the civil society group led by Kiko Aquino Dee, said the move aims to expedite the impeachment process and prevent “procedural limbo and unnecessary legal delays.” The group noted that the third complaint contains the same allegations and evidence as their original filing.
The petitioners are urging the Senate to convene as an impeachment court as soon as possible, holding Duterte accountable for alleged corruption and abuse of power. Earlier in February, two separate impeachment complaints were filed, accusing the Vice President of betraying public trust, misusing funds, violating the Constitution, and committing bribery and corruption.
Clergy members also filed a complaint, citing it as a matter of “moral concern.” The allegations include “gross abuse of discretionary powers” in relation to P612.5 million in confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, which Duterte previously headed.
Duterte has publicly defended herself, claiming the accusations and congressional hearings are politically motivated and scripted to harm her reputation. She also recently announced her intention to run for president in 2028 — a move critics say could distract from the impeachment proceedings.