The House Committee on Justice has found probable cause to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, moving the consolidated complaint against her to the plenary for a vote scheduled on Monday, May 4.
The committee voted unanimously, concluding that evidence presented in two impeachment complaints—alleging the misuse of public funds and an alleged death threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.—was sufficient to establish probable cause and warrant further proceedings.
If at least one-third of House members (106 lawmakers) approve in plenary, the impeachment will proceed to the Senate for trial.
The committee also voted to keep sealed certain tax records linked to Duterte, despite calls from some lawmakers to open them for further scrutiny.
Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima, one of the endorsers of the complaints, said the evidence pointed to what she described as an “alarming pattern of amassing unexplained wealth” as well as actions that struck “at the very heart of our constitutional order.”
“There’s no question we have enough and valid reason for this process to move forward and impeach the Vice President,” De Lima said.
Committee Chairperson Representative Gerville Luistro directed the preparation and transmission of the committee report to all concerned parties, including the complainants, respondent, and members of the House of Representatives.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III earlier said the Senate could begin trial proceedings as early as mid-May, adding that the chamber would act “definitely forthwith” upon receipt of the articles of impeachment.
He also noted that if the House transmits the articles on May 4, the Senate could convene as an impeachment court as early as the following day.
