House gathers 153 signatures to impeach VP Sara

Vice President Sara Duterte (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

By Filane Mikee Cervantes, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The House of Representatives has enough signatures to proceed with a fourth impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco confirmed on Wednesday.

Velasco said at least 153 lawmakers have signed the complaint, surpassing the required 102 signatures, or one-third of the House membership, to transmit the case to the Senate for trial.

Velasco said it will be formalized in the plenary.

The impeachment challenges Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, amid growing criticism from opposition groups.

Akbayan party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña, who endorsed the first impeachment complaint, called the decision a step toward ending the Duterte family’s influence.

“Sara Duterte’s expiration date from power is near. This impeachment is the people’s verdict against the Dutertes’ long-standing corruption and lack of accountability. The message is clear: the era of impunity is ending, and those who plunder and oppress will be held to account,” Cendaña said.

Cendaña said the fight for accountability continues in the upper chamber.

“The Senate must now rise to the occasion and match the courage demonstrated by the citizens and the House. The Filipino people are watching, and history will judge whether our senators will uphold their constitutional duty or allow political expediency to stand in the way of justice,” Cendaña said.

Akbayan First Nominee, lawyer Chel Diokno also hailed Duterte’s impeachment, calling it a “testament to the power of active citizenship.”

“The Senate must not falter,” he said. “Will they stand with the people or enable unaccountability? The country deserves a Senate that won’t cower.”