SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has ordered the immediate transmission of the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte to the Senate.
The move, directed to House Secretary General Reginald S. Velasco on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, follows the filing of the complaint by 215 House members – a number exceeding one-third of the House’s total membership.
This action triggers the formal commencement of impeachment proceedings against the Vice President, as mandated by the 1987 Philippine Constitution. The Constitution explicitly states that a verified impeachment complaint supported by at least one-third of the House members “shall constitute the Articles of Impeachment and trial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed.”
The swift action taken by Speaker Romualdez underscores the seriousness with which the House is treating the allegations against Vice President Duterte. While the specific grounds for impeachment remain undisclosed at this time, the sheer number of House representatives supporting the complaint signals a significant level of concern within the legislature.
The Senate is now constitutionally bound to convene as an impeachment court to hear the case. This process will involve the presentation of evidence, witness testimony, and ultimately, a vote by the Senate on whether to convict the Vice President on the charges. The outcome will have profound consequences for the political landscape of the Philippines.
The nation awaits further details regarding the specific charges laid against Vice President Duterte and the evidence that will be presented to the Senate. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining the course of this historic impeachment trial.
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