Before the holiday break, the House of Representatives had nine opportunities to address the filed impeachment complaints against the Vice President. However, there has been no referral to the Committee on Justice, yet, according to Jose Clapano of The Philippine Star.
As of December 2024, three pending impeachment complaints had been filed by the Akbayan party, civil leaders, and the Makabayan bloc.
The first complaint was filed last December 2, by Former Senator Leila De Lima, containing details about ill-gotten wealth, confidential funds, and silence amidst the rising tension in the West Philippine Sea.
The complaint filed last December 19, by priests and civil leaders, backed by Representative Castro and Makabayan colleagues Arlene Brosas and Raoul Manuel, was on the grounds of betrayal of public trust. Meanwhile, the third complaint is by clergy members, endorsed by solon Gabriel Bordado and Lex Colada.
Why does this matter?
Other urgent matters such as the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators investigations will be disrupted, along with the Extrajudicial Killings from the previous administration
Calls for impeachment of the Vice President and its accompanying complaints reflect the necessity for accountability from those in position.
Addressing the impeachment complaints demonstrates the checks and balances within the government.
Regardless of the outcome, the entirety of the situation reflects that people will call for transparency and accountability from those in power.
From the Palace
President Bong Bong Marcos stated that he informed the Congress to no longer file impeachment complaints against the Vice President, as it would not be beneficial to the lives of Filipinos. The Malacanañg Palace also stated that it will not back or promote movements toward the impeachment of the Vice President to allow the government to focus on more pressing issues
Following Sara Duterte’s death threat to Marcos, investigations have been underway for the misuse of confidential funds, and she has gone through scrutiny after the threat.
On December 25, Sara Duterte stated that she is ready to face the filed impeachment complaints and already has lawyers prepared, including her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte
“Hindi ako aalis dito dahil nilagay ako ng mga tao dito, VP Sara said.
The Vice President previously stated that the silver lining to the complaints is her opportunity to defend her side amidst scrutiny for the alleged betrayal of public trust and misuse of confidential funds.
The aftermath of investigations
Before any further process, the filed complaints must be referred to the Committee on Justice, which is not yet done to this date, according to The LawPhil Project
Moving forward, the respondent must provide feedback within 10 days, before proceeding to the House addresses the complaints filed
However, there must be three impeachment complaints before the first and second are transmitted, which is already present at this time
