3-12-2024 (MANILA) The Makabayan Coalition is poised to endorse a second impeachment complaint against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte before the House of Representatives on December 4, marking an escalation in the political pressure facing the country’s second-highest official.
Representative Raoul Manuel of the Kabataan Party-list announced during a Tuesday press briefing that the coalition has garnered substantial support from various sectors of society for the impeachment proceedings. The move comes despite earlier cautions from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. against such actions.
“We have sufficient time before the campaign period, and it is our duty to process any impeachment complaints filed,” Manuel stated, expressing optimism about securing the required one-third vote in the lower chamber. The complaint centres on allegations of confidential funds misuse.
House Assistant Majority Leader Jude Acidre emphasised that legislators must fulfil their constitutional obligations regarding impeachment proceedings, regardless of presidential preferences. “The Constitution mandates clear timelines that we must observe,” Acidre noted, defending the process against claims of resource wastage.
The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) will lead the filing, accompanied by planned protests from various organisations, including families of drug war victims and human rights advocates. This follows a previous impeachment complaint endorsed by the Akbayan party-list.
ACT Teachers Representative France Castro revealed growing anticipation among progressive groups for the filing. “If we complete proceedings in the House of Representatives before the recess, the Senate can address this by January,” Castro explained.
Meanwhile, Senate President Francis Escudero has advised fellow lawmakers to maintain discretion, noting that senators may serve as judges should the case advance to the upper chamber.
The development represents a significant challenge to Vice President Duterte’s administration, with former senator Leila de Lima describing it as the “appropriate moment” for impeachment proceedings. Malacañang Palace has maintained its distance from the situation, though President Marcos Jr. previously dismissed such efforts as futile.
