OVER 20 more House lawmakers backed the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco confirmed Friday, February 7, 2025.
In a message to reporters, Velasco said these lawmakers are those who were unable to attend the initial oathtaking and verification due to prior commitments abroad or in their respective districts but have sent their verifications to formalize their support for the proceedings.
They include the following House members:
*Biñan Rep. Marlyn “Len” Alonte
*Cagayan Rep. Ramon Nolasco Jr.
*Isabela Rep. Tonypet Albano
*Lanao del Norte Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo
*Leyte Rep. Carl Nicolas Cari
*Masbate Reps. Richard Kho, Olga “Ara” Kho, and Wilton Kho
*Negros Occidental Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo
*Quirino Rep. Midy Cua
*Sultan Kudarat Rep. Princess Rihan M. Sakaluran
*Pangasinan Reps. Ramon Guico Jr. and Arthur Celeste
*Cavite Rep. Adrian Jay Advincula
*Tarlac Reps. Noel “Bong” Rivera and Christian Tell Yap
*Oriental Mindoro Rep. Alfonso Umali Jr.
*Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co
*Ako Bisaya Party-list Rep. Sonny Lagon
*GP Party-list Rep. Jose Gay Padiernos
*Ako Ilocano Ako (AIA) Party-list Rep. Richelle Singson
*Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo
*Sagip Party-list Rep. Caroline Tanchay
*Abono Party-list Rep. Robert Raymund Estrella
*ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Edvic Yap
Due to this development, the total number of House lawmakers who signed the impeachment of Duterte has increased to 240 from the initial 215.
The impeachment case was immediately elevated to the Senate, bypassing discussions at the House Committee on Rules and the Committee on Justice, in accordance with a provision in the Constitution that allows the immediate convening of a Senate trial if more than one-third of all House members voted in its favor.
The Senate is expected to discuss the matter by June, after its four-month break.
The impeachment complaint against Duterte revolves around six major allegations, each linked to alleged violations of the 1987 Constitution, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and other laws.
It includes VP Duterte’s involvement in a conspiracy to assassinate President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., his wife, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez; the malversation of P612.5 million worth of confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President as well as the Department of Education (DepEd) during her time as its secretary from 2022 to 2024; and the bribery and corruption in the DepEd.
Also cited in the complaints were VP Duterte’s unexplained wealth and failure to disclose assets, her involvement in extrajudicial killings, particularly during her time as the Mayor of Davao City, and for engaging in destabilization, insurrection, and public disorder. (TPM/VoxPop Philippines)