By Filane Mikee Cervantes
MANILA – Around 75 complainants from various sectors filed the second impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday, citing betrayal of public trust over the alleged misuse of PHP612.5 million in confidential funds.
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco confirmed that his office received the second complaint at 3:30 p.m.
The impeachment complaint centers on three allegations, which include the “abuse, misuse, and wastage” of confidential funds; systematic cover-up of such actions through fabricated accomplishment reports, receipts, and documents submitted to the Commission on Audit (COA); and deliberate obstruction of congressional investigation and oversight.
Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc — Reps. France Castro, Arlene Brosas, and Raoul Manuel endorsed the impeachment complaint.
Velasco said the complaint would be processed in accordance with Article XI, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution and the Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Proceedings.
He said all filed complaints will be transmitted to the Office of the Speaker for further action.
“The filing of impeachment complaints underscores the seriousness of the allegations and highlights the vital role of Congress in upholding transparency and accountability in government. The House is committed to performing its Constitutional duty with fairness, impartiality, and respect for the rule of law,” Velasco said.
Velasco also assured the public that the impeachment process would be conducted with integrity, guided by the principles of due process and adherence to the Constitution.
“The House remains steadfast in protecting public trust and ensuring the democratic process is upheld,” he said.
The first impeachment complaint against Duterte was filed at the House of Representatives on Monday and was endorsed by Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña.
It cited culpable violation of the constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes as grounds for impeachment.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier discouraged lawmakers from pursuing the impeachment of Duterte, noting that it would be counterproductive and just a waste of time. (PNA)
