The House of Representatives formally accepted the second impeachment complaint against Vice President (VP) Sara Duterte on Wednesday afternoon.
In a statement, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco confirmed that the Office of the Secretary-General received the second impeachment complaint against VP Duterte at 3 PM on Wednesday.
It was filed by members from various people’s organizations and was endorsed by House Representatives France Castro, Arlene Brosas, and Raoul Manuel.
ATM> House Sec Gen Reginald Velasco pormal nang tinanggap ang 2nd impeachment complaint laban kay VP @indaysara… i-e-endorso ng Makabayan bloc @dzrhnews pic.twitter.com/pgoLVqgX7J
— milky rigonan đź’‹ (@milkyrigonan) December 4, 2024
The Second Complaint vs VP Sara
Progressive groups cited three grounds for the VP’s impeachment complaint.
The grounds include the betrayal of public trust, stating that the VP did not explain how the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education’s (DepEd) confidential funds were spent.
Moreover, they believe that the two agencies’ accomplishment reports, which were submitted to the Commission on Appointment, were cover-ups to deceive the public. Duterte was given numerous invites to attend the House Blue Ribbon Committee’s probe on the matter but continued to snub the invites given to her.
The groups are expecting the public to monitor their plea for accountability and transparency.
Velasco’s Statement
Under Article XI on Accountability of Public Officers of the Philippine Constitution, Velasco said that the House of Representatives will process the complaint under the Rules of Procedure in Impeachment Proceedings.
“The filing of impeachment complaints underscores the seriousness of the allegations and highlights the vital role of Congress in upholding transparency and accountability in government,” Velasco wrote.
“The House is committed to performing its Constitutional duty with fairness, impartiality, and respect for the rule of law,” he added.
Velasco assured the public that the process would be conducted with integrity, guided by the principles of due process and adherence to the Constitution. Additionally, he assured that the House will remain steadfast in ensuring that the democratic process is upheld.
“We call on all parties involved to respect the legal proceedings and allow the Constitutionally prescribed process to take its course,” he ended.
Basahin> statement ni House Sec Gen Reginald Velasco matapos tanggapin ang ikalawang impeachment complaint laban kay VP @indaysara @dzrhnews pic.twitter.com/xygIyeyRwB
— milky rigonan đź’‹ (@milkyrigonan) December 4, 2024
