A second impeachment complaint has been filed against Vice President Sara Duterte by over 70 representatives of progressive groups, led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), at the House of Representatives on December 4, 2024.
The complaint, submitted to House Secretary General Reginald Velasco at 3:38 PM, accuses Duterte of betrayal of public trust, citing issues related to the use of confidential funds (CFs) under her leadership.
Both the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd), which Duterte previously headed, have faced scrutiny in a House investigation over the utilization of these funds. The controversy deepened following revelations about acknowledgment receipts signed by a mysterious “Mary Grace Piattos.” Antipolo 2nd District Representative Romeo Acop pointed out the unusual nature of the name, likening it to a combination of a coffee shop and a potato chip brand.
On December 3, the Philippine Statistics Authority confirmed that no such name exists in official records, adding to the irregularities raised during the investigation.
This new complaint comes two days after Akbayan party-list Representative Percival Cendeña endorsed the first impeachment filing. The earlier complaint highlighted Duterte’s alleged misuse of funds, threats to government officials, and alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings during her tenure as Davao City mayor.
Former Senator Leila de Lima, who accompanied the complainants in both cases, emphasized the need for accountability and transparency in public office.
