Solons seek 'more time' to endorse impeachment complaint vs VP Sara

MANILA, Philippines — House lawmakers asked for “more time” to evaluate their potential endorsement of an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said.

“Well, those are the House members who requested that I'll give them some more time to either endorse one of the three complaints filed earlier, or endorse another complaint, and that will constitute the fourth impeachment complaint,” he said in an interview with ANC Headstart on Tuesday, January 7. 

Velasco also suggested the delay in endorsements may be due to lawmakers weighing the potential impact their support could have on the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.

So far, three impeachment complaints have been lodged against Duterte, all citing betrayal of public trust as one of the grounds and alleging her office's misuse of confidential funds.

The first complaint, endorsed by Rep. Perci Cedaña (Akbayan Party-list), was filed on Dec. 2, 2024, followed by a second on December 4, backed by Makabayan lawmakers. 

The third complaint, endorsed by Reps. Gabriel Bordado (AAMBIS-OWA Party-list) and Lex Colada (Camarines Sur, 3rd District), was filed on December 19, a day after Congress adjourned.

Meanwhile, Velasco earlier said the anticipated fourth impeachment complaint was based on information he received from members of the House majority.

Asked why the three existing complaints have not been referred to the House Speaker, Velasco explained that he is waiting for the fourth complaint to ensure all cases are reviewed together, avoiding a focus solely on the current submissions.

“The House members are interested that whatever complaints they will file or they will endorse will be referred to the Speaker at the same time, you know, one package,” he said, emphasizing the need to give incoming complainants a fair chance.

In the meantime, Velasco said the three existing complaints could still be consolidated into one if the endorsers reach an agreement before they are transmitted to the House Speaker.

Makabayan lawmakers said on Monday, January 6, they invited other endorsers to a meeting on Wednesday, January 8, to align efforts urging the House leadership and