25 more House members join impeachment case vs VP Sara
AN additional 25 members of the House of Representatives have submitted their verification forms as complainants in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, House Secretary General Reginald “Reggie” S. Velasco confirmed Friday.
Should the Senate Impeachment Court allow, this could bring the total number of signatories to at least 240, representing a supermajority of almost 80% of the 306-member chamber.
According to Velasco, these 25 lawmakers were unable to be physically present during the initial oath-taking and verification due to commitments abroad or in their respective districts.
However, they have sent their respective verifications to the House of Representatives to formalize their support for the impeachment proceedings.
On Thursday, House Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur revealed in a press conference and media interviews that 25 lawmakers have formally documented their intention to join as complainants.
Velasco said it is up to the Senate how to treat these 25 additional House members who have expressed their desire to be included as signatories to the impeachment complaint against VP Duterte.
“The Senate has not yet convened so it will be up to them on what to do with these 25 members of the House of Representatives who have sent to us their verification,” he added.
The 25 lawmakers include members of LAKAS-CMD Party, such as Biñan Rep. Marlyn “Len” Alonte, Cagayan Rep. Ramon Nolasco Jr., Isabela Rep. Tonypet Albano, and Lanao del Norte Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo, Leyte Rep. Carl Nicolas Cari, Masbate Reps. Richard Kho, Olga “Ara” Kho, and Wilton Kho, Negros Occidental Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo, Quirino Rep. Midy Cua, Sultan Kudarat Rep. Princess Rihan M. Sakaluran, and Pangasinan Rep. Ramon Guico Jr.
Other signatories are Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, Pangasinan Rep. Arthur Celeste (Nacionalista Party), Cavite Rep. Adrian Jay Advincula (National Unity Party), Tarlac Reps. Noel “Bong” Rivera (Nationalist People’s Coalition) and Christian Tell Yap (Sama-Sama Tarlac), Oriental Mindoro Rep. Alfonso Umali Jr. (Liberal Party), Ako Bisaya Rep. Sonny Lagon, GP Rep. Jose Gay Padiernos, Ako Ilocano Ako (AIA) Rep. Richelle Singson, Kabayan Rep. Ron Salo, Sagip Rep. Caroline Tanchay, Abono Rep. Robert Raymund Estrella, and ACT-CIS Rep. Edvic Yap.
The impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte includes allegations of corruption, betrayal of public trust and violations of the Constitution.
Specific charges involve the alleged misuse of millions of pesos in confidential funds and issuing threats against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
The complaint was endorsed by 215 lawmakers, leading to the House’s approval of the Articles of Impeachment Wednesday. With the additional 25 endorsements, the overwhelming support underscores the gravity of the allegations and the collective resolve of the House to pursue accountability.
The impeachment process now moves to the Senate, where a trial will be conducted to determine Vice President Duterte’s culpability.
If convicted, she faces removal from office and a lifetime ban from holding any government position.
This development marks a significant moment in Philippine political history, as it is the first time a sitting vice president has been impeached.
