MANILA — The impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio moved a step closer to trial after the House Committee on Justice found sufficient grounds to proceed, setting the stage for a decisive plenary vote that could send the case to the Senate.
The justice panel, chaired by Cong. Gerville Luistro, approved its report after all 55 members present signified support, effectively clearing the way for the House of Representatives to deliberate on the articles of impeachment in the coming days.
“Let us pursue this to its logical conclusion; otherwise, the cycle of impunity will only repeat,” Luistro said, stressing the Constitutional mandate of the justice panel to hold public officials accountable.
“Because we owe it to the next generation of Filipinos to show them that no one, no matter how powerful [and] no matter the title, is above the law. Huwag nating hayaang masanay ang ating bansa sa kultura ng pagkalimot,” she added.
The committee had earlier consolidated several complaints filed against Duterte-Carpio and determined that probable cause exists to elevate the matter to the plenary.
A vote by at least one-third of all House members is required under the Constitution to approve the articles of impeachment and transmit the case to the Senate.
Once transmitted, the Senate will convene as an impeachment court to try the case. Senate officials have signaled readiness to proceed, saying trial proceedings may continue even during legislative breaks.
The complaints against Duterte-Carpio include allegations of misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, and an alleged plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., all of which the vice president has repeatedly denied./PN
