A third impeachment complaint was filed by religious groups and lawyers against Vice President (VP) Sara Duterte on Thursday, December 19.
The groups filed the complaint before the House of Representatives’ Office of the Secretary General. According to the group, the submission of the impeachment case against the VP was based on the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability’s findings.
During the Committee's probe, the Office of the Vice President (OVP), along with the Department of Education (DepEd) were questioned on the usage of their confidential and intelligence funds. Both agencies were headed by VP Duterte, before resigning from her position as education secretary in June this year.
The grounds for impeachment cited by the group had similarities to the earlier cases filed against the VP. The document cited culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft and corruption, and the betrayal of public trust.
All these were aligned with the alleged misuse of at least PHP 612 million worth of confidential funds. Duterte's continuous failure to submit valid proof of both agencies’ liquidation reports prompted several groups and lawmakers to call for her impeachment.
Just like what the Committee said, the people demand accountability on the public official's side, as she refused to attend the hearings in the past. According to the groups, they believe that it is not only the House officials’ obligation to impeach; nor is it the Senate's responsibility to remove Duterte from office. The religious groups believe that this has now become a moral obligation, involving the people.
There were around seven priests listed as complainants, with other signatories including leaders of four nongovernment organizations and lawyers.
The third impeachment complaint against Duterte was endorsed by House Assistant Minority Leader and Camarines Sur 3rd District Rep. Gabriel Bordado and Deputy Minority Leader and AAMBIS-OWWA Party-list Rep. Lex Colada.
The Congress adjourned for the holidays last Wednesday, December 18, and will resume the session in January next year.
Last December 4, a second impeachment complaint was filed by over 70 representatives of progressive groups led by the Alyansang Makabayan.
