The Philippine House of Representatives Committee on Justice has officially approved reports on two impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara, determining there is 'sufficient basis' to initiate impeachment proceedings; the case is expected to enter the next stage of parliamentary review.
According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the Justice Committee held a hearing on Monday (May 4), where Deputy Speaker David Suarez proposed approving the revised report and including related articles of impeachment. Committee chairperson Crevol Luiste called for a roll-call vote, resulting in all 55 members present voting in favor.
Earlier, on April 29, the committee had voted unanimously (53 votes) to approve the impeachment motion, finding the related allegations to be well-founded. Sara has denied all charges, claiming that the impeachment proceedings are politically motivated.
According to procedure, the report will be submitted to the House Rules Committee, which will arrange for it to be included on the full House session agenda for deliberation. If at least one-third of the House supports it, the case will move to the Senate for an impeachment trial. If convicted, Sara will be removed from office and permanently barred from holding public office.
Luiste pointed out that the full House meeting on May 11 could be a key juncture to determine whether the report will be approved.
It is understood that the House Justice Committee had held four hearings previously, none of which Sara attended; instead, she issued statements refuting the allegations through her lawyer. The impeachment complaints include alleged misuse of confidential funds, issuing threats to assassinate President Marcos Jr. and his family, and accumulation of unexplained wealth through corruption.
Sara became Vice President in June 2022 and also served as Education Secretary, a post she resigned from in June 2024. Observers generally believe her resignation was due in part to a breakdown in relations with the President.
This is the House's second attempt to impeach Sara since the Supreme Court dismissed an impeachment case last July. She has already announced her candidacy for the 2028 presidential election; if impeached, she will lose eligibility to run.
On Monday (May 4), the Philippine House of Representatives Committee on Justice officially approved two impeachment complaint reports against Vice President Sara Duterte, pushing the proceedings another step forward. Sara has denied all charges, stressing that the impeachment case is nothing more than a political maneuver targeting her personally. (File Photo)
Earlier, on April 29, the committee had voted unanimously (53 votes) to approve the impeachment motion, finding the related allegations to be well-founded. Sara has denied all charges, claiming that the impeachment proceedings are politically motivated.
According to procedure, the report will be submitted to the House Rules Committee, which will arrange for it to be included on the full House session agenda for deliberation. If at least one-third of the House supports it, the case will move to the Senate for an impeachment trial. If convicted, Sara will be removed from office and permanently barred from holding public office.
Luiste pointed out that the full House meeting on May 11 could be a key juncture to determine whether the report will be approved.
It is understood that the House Justice Committee had held four hearings previously, none of which Sara attended; instead, she issued statements refuting the allegations through her lawyer. The impeachment complaints include alleged misuse of confidential funds, issuing threats to assassinate President Marcos Jr. and his family, and accumulation of unexplained wealth through corruption.
Sara became Vice President in June 2022 and also served as Education Secretary, a post she resigned from in June 2024. Observers generally believe her resignation was due in part to a breakdown in relations with the President.
This is the House's second attempt to impeach Sara since the Supreme Court dismissed an impeachment case last July. She has already announced her candidacy for the 2028 presidential election; if impeached, she will lose eligibility to run.
On Monday (May 4), the Philippine House of Representatives Committee on Justice officially approved two impeachment complaint reports against Vice President Sara Duterte, pushing the proceedings another step forward. Sara has denied all charges, stressing that the impeachment case is nothing more than a political maneuver targeting her personally. (File Photo)