MANILA, Philippines — The House Committee on Justice has formally cleared the path for the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte to be tackled in the plenary, emphasizing that the process will be governed by “records and evidence, not political opinions.”
On Monday, May 4, 2026, House leaders confirmed that the committee report, which found the complaints sufficient in form and substance, is now scheduled for floor deliberation. The move marks a critical escalation in the ongoing legislative scrutiny of the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
The committee’s stance serves as a direct rebuttal to claims that the impeachment is a “politically motivated circus.” Lawmakers involved in the process stressed that the findings are anchored on audit reports, testimonial evidence, and official documentation regarding the use of confidential funds.
“We are moving forward based on what the records show,” a member of the committee stated. “The plenary will now decide if the evidence presented warrants a full-fledged trial in the Senate. This is a constitutional process, not a matter of personal or political preference.”
Following the committee’s approval, the next steps in the House of Representatives include:
- Committee Report Submission: The formal filing of the report with the Committee on Rules.
- Plenary Deliberation: Members of the House will debate the merits of the complaint.
- The Vote: A vote of at least one-third (1/3) of all members of the House is required to impeach the Vice President and transmit the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate.
The complaints against the Vice President primarily revolve around allegations of:
- Culpable Violation of the Constitution: Related to the handling and transfer of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF).
- Betrayal of Public Trust: Stemming from alleged lack of transparency in budget execution.
- Graft and Corruption: Linked to findings in various Commission on Audit (COA) reports.
Vice President Sara Duterte has consistently dismissed the allegations as part of a “coordinated attack” by her political opponents. While she has largely refrained from attending committee hearings, she has maintained that the funds in question were used for national security and social programs in accordance with existing laws.
The OVP has yet to issue a fresh statement regarding the move to the plenary, but supporters of the Vice President in the House—collectively known as the “Duterte bloc”—are expected to mount a vigorous defense during the upcoming floor debates.
As the impeachment rap moves to the plenary, the political divide in the Philippines deepens. Observers note that the timing coincides with the ongoing national energy emergency, creating a complex governance environment where legislative focus is split between economic crisis management and a high-stakes constitutional showdown.