MANILA — The House of Representatives has voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, securing more than 200 signatures on the final day of its session on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. The move easily surpassed the one-third threshold required to endorse the complaint to the Senate for trial.

The impeachment is based on three complaints citing alleged misuse of confidential funds, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust—grounds for impeachment under the 1987 Constitution.

House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco confirmed that the complaints will be formally transmitted to Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez before being sent to the Senate later this week. Once received, the Senate will convene as an impeachment court, with its 23 senators serving as jurors.

If convicted, Duterte could be removed from office and permanently barred from holding public positions.

House of Representatives Has Power to Initiate Process – Pres. Marcos

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has distanced himself from the process, stating that he does not support Duterte’s impeachment but acknowledges he has no authority over the independent legislative branch.

In a short statement, Executive Secretary Bersamin stressed that “the power to initiate and act on impeachment complaints is the sole prerogative of the House of Representatives.”

The impeachment complaint is expected to reach the Senate by 7 p.m. on Wednesday, where Senate Secretary Renato Bantug will receive the documents from House Secretary-General Velasco.

Senate Not Prepared for “Anything Regarding Impeachment”

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, however, downplayed speculation about impending trial preparations, stating that the chamber is not preparing for “anything regarding impeachment.”

“We cannot and will not assume anything until and unless it is a fact,” Escudero said, referring to earlier comments from a staff member. “The statements made were unauthorized and improper.”

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