With Congress nearing its break, only a handful of lawmakers have expressed initial support for the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, endorsed by three opposition congressmen. However, none have officially signed the resolution, according to House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro.
Castro revealed that many legislators remain in a “wait and see” mode, anticipating their parties’ decisions or the possible filing of a third impeachment complaint by a religious group next week. “Wala pa talagang nakapirma. Mga pledges lang. So mukhang next week pa magkakaalaman,” she stated in an ABS-CBN report, adding that lawmakers are likely weighing which complaint to back for a smoother Senate transition.
Kabataan Party List Representative Raoul Manuel echoed this sentiment, suggesting that majority lawmakers might want to ensure they meet the required support of one-third of the House to fast-track the process directly to the Senate. “Pwedeng sinisiguro rin ng majority ‘yung numbers, para smooth sailing na,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers clarified that his party, the Nacionalista Party, has not yet deliberated on the complaints. He emphasized that the decision should be based on personal conviction rather than external influence.
Concerns about time constraints due to the upcoming May polls were raised by Barbers, but Castro dismissed these claims, stating that impeachment proceedings could still progress during recess through a special session if the majority decides to support it.
The Office of the House Secretary General confirmed it is awaiting the third complaint before transmitting all impeachment complaints to the Speaker’s office. Several lawmakers have also requested more time to review the first two complaints.
Manuel remains optimistic about the Senate’s prospects for the impeachment case, citing the recent budget cut for the Office of the Vice President as evidence of the Senate’s willingness to oppose Duterte’s interests. “Kaya tingin natin ay nandyan pa rin ang prospects na sang-ayunan ng Senado ang impeachment,” he noted.
