On Monday, the House Committee on Justice declared that the third and fourth impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte were sufficient in form, meeting the procedural requirements set by the Supreme Court. The ruling ensures that the complaints comply with the one-year bar rule, which allows only one impeachment proceeding per official annually, and includes at least one endorser from the House of Representatives.
The committee’s decision effectively sets aside the first impeachment complaint filed by the Makabayan coalition and allied groups on February 2, which was dismissed for violating the one-year bar rule. That initial complaint accused Vice President Duterte of betraying public trust, including ordering subordinates to create fabricated accomplishment reports and falsified liquidation documents submitted to the Commission on Audit, as well as dereliction of duty by ignoring congressional oversight during budget deliberations.
House Justice Committee Chairperson and Batangas Second District Representative Gerville Luistro explained that compliance with the one-year prohibition is a critical procedural requirement, emphasizing that the committee integrated this consideration into its determination of sufficiency in form.
Earlier, Tindig Pilipinas formally withdrew its second impeachment complaint, instead supporting the third complaint. During deliberations, opposition lawmakers highlighted alleged evidence, including a video showing Vice President Duterte allegedly threatening President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family, and purportedly fabricated confidential fund recipients.
Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima of ML Party-list, along with Antonio Tinio of ACT Teachers Party-list and Sarah Elago of Gabriela Party-list, stressed that these allegations represent serious breaches of public trust. De Lima pointed to documentary evidence and acknowledgment receipts suggesting misuse of confidential funds, reinforced by the Commission on Audit’s notice of disallowance of P73 million from the Office of the Vice President’s budget.
Tinio added that dubious accomplishment reports and untraceable recipients like “Mary Grace Piattos” demonstrate blatant deception and misuse of public funds. Elago emphasized the ongoing shortages in classrooms, low teacher wages, and inadequate support for students as a consequence of secretive spending practices.
“The pattern of betraying public trust, abusing power, faking records, and obstructing accountability is clear. No official, regardless of rank, should evade scrutiny,” Elago said.
Meanwhile, Vice President Duterte’s lawyer, Michael Poa, reserved comment, stating that the defense team will monitor proceedings and provide responses if necessary.
The House justice panel’s finding marks a significant step forward in the impeachment process, ensuring that procedural rules are upheld while the complaints proceed toward a substantive review of the allegations against the Vice President.