MANILA — The House of Representatives on Wednesday night formally transmitted the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio to the Senate, officially triggering the next constitutional phase that could lead to a full-blown impeachment trial.
House Secretary General Atty. Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil personally handed over the impeachment documents to Senate Secretary Mark Leandro Mendoza at around 7:22 p.m., hours after the House Secretariat completed the verification and consolidation of records tied to the complaint.
The transmittal now places the case in the hands of the Senate, which is expected to convene as an impeachment court to hear the charges against the vice president.
According to Garafil, the House ensured that all documentary requirements and supporting records were thoroughly checked before the formal submission.
“The transmittal of the Articles of Impeachment marks the beginning of the next constitutional phase of the process, and the House Secretariat made sure that all records were complete and in proper order prior to submission,” Garafil said.
“The accuracy of our submission is our paramount concern,” she added.
The House impeached Duterte-Carpio on Monday after 257 lawmakers voted in favor of the complaint, while 25 voted against it and nine abstained.
The impeachment complaint stemmed from findings contained in Committee Report No. 261, which was adopted through House Resolution No. 989.
The complaint contains four Articles of Impeachment.
Article I focuses on the alleged misuse, misappropriation, and questionable liquidation of P612.5 million in confidential funds under the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.
Article II cites allegations involving unexplained wealth, inconsistencies in Duterte-Carpio’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN), and alleged continued business interests while serving as vice president.
Article III involves alleged bribery and cash distributions to Department of Education officials, including claims that Gloria Jumamil-Mercado, Resty Osias, and Runna Catalan received cash envelopes.
Article IV concerns allegations that Duterte-Carpio made assassination threats and incited sedition against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
With the formal transmittal completed, attention now shifts to the Senate, where lawmakers are expected to begin preparations for one of the country’s most politically charged impeachment proceedings in recent years./PN
