An additional 25 members from the House of Representatives have submitted their verification forms as complainants in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, the House Secretary General Reginald Velasco confirmed in a press release on Friday, February 7.
Velasco furthered that the additional 25 lawmakers who signed the verification forms were unable to physically present the forms during the initial oath-taking and verification due to commitments abroad or in the respective districts. To formalize their support for the impeachment proceedings, the said members sent their verifications to Congress.
Should the Impeachment Court allow, the total number of signatories would go up to at least 240, representing a “supermajority” of the 306-member chamber.
However, Velasco stated that it would still depend on how the Senate would treat the additional lawmakers who wish to be included as signatories on the impeachment complaint against VP Duterte.
“The Senate has not yet convened so it will be up to them on what to do with these 25 members of the House of Representatives who have sent to us their verification,” Velasco said.
The 25 additional House members include the LAKAS-CMD Party, such as:
- Biñan Rep. Marlyn “Len” Alonte,
- Cagayan Rep. Ramon Nolasco Jr.,
- Isabela Rep. Tonypet Albano, and
- Lanao del Norte Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo
Additionally, the lawmakers included in the list are:
- Leyte Rep. Carl Nicolas Cari
- Masbate Reps. Richard Kho, Olga “Ara” Kho, and Wilton Kho
- Negros Occidental Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo
- Quirino Rep. Midy Cua
- Sultan Kudarat Rep. Princess Rihan M. Sakaluran
- Pangasinan Rep. Ramon Guico Jr.
Other signatories are:
- Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, Pangasinan
- Rep. Arthur Celeste (Nacionalista Party)
- Cavite Rep. Adrian Jay Advincula (National Unity Party)
- Tarlac Reps. Noel “Bong” Rivera (Nationalist People’s Coalition); and
- Christian Tell Yap (Sama-Sama Tarlac),
- Oriental Mindoro Rep. Alfonso Umali Jr. (Liberal Party),
- Ako Bisaya Rep. Sonny Lagon,
- GP Rep. Jose Gay Padiernos,
- Ako Ilocano Ako (AIA) Rep. Richelle Singson,
- Kabayan Rep. Ron Salo,
- Sagip Rep. Caroline Tanchay,
- Abono Rep. Robert Raymund Estrella; and
- ACT-CIS Rep. Edvic Yap.
Apart from the violations of the Constitution, the impeachment complaint against VP Duterte includes specific charges such as the alleged misuse of confidential funds and the threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
On Wednesday, 215 lawmakers endorsed the complaint, leading to the House’s approval of the Articles of Impeachment. With the additional 25 members, Velasco affirmed the House’s collective resolve to pursue culpability, emphasizing the gravity of the case.
“The impeachment process now moves to the Senate, where a trial will be conducted to determine Vice President Duterte’s culpability. If convicted, she faces removal from office and a lifetime ban from holding any government position,” the statement read.
“This development marks a significant moment in Philippine political history, as it is the first time a sitting vice president has been impeached,” it ended.
