The third impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte has been referred to the office of House Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III, according to Secretary General Cheloy Garafil.
“I confirm that my office formally transmitted the third impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte to the office of Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III early Monday night, in accordance with the Constitution and the Rules of the House of Representatives,” Garafil said on Tuesday.
A group of private citizens—composed of members of the clergy, civil society leaders, and legal practitioners—filed the complaint on Monday noon, Feb. 9. Lawyer Amando Virgil Ligutan served as their counsel.
House Deputy Minority Leader Leila De Lima of Mamamayang Liberal (ML) party-list endorsed the 98-page document, which she said builds on the solid arguments from the articles of impeachment recommended by more than one-third of lawmakers from the 19th Congress.
“It is an improved version. I must say that it’s an improved version of the previous Articles of Impeachment that was sent (to the Senate]),” De Lima said.
She agreed to endorse the third complaint after reviewing its contents and supporting documents, expressing confidence that it can pass the procedural stages in the House.
Asked about evidence, De Lima said the materials include “audit findings,” “liquidation vouchers,” “liquidation documents,” and legislative records, among others, including a sworn statement from Ramil Madriaga—the alleged former aide of VP Duterte—that strengthens their case.
The complainants include Rev. Fr. Joel Saballa, Rev. Fr. Joselito Sarabia, Rev. Fr. Edilberto Baculi, Rev. Fr. Rogelio del Rosario, Pastor Leonard Arevalo, Pinky Tam, Maria Loreto Lopez, lawyers Jalilo dela Torre, Democrito Barcenas, and Lourdes Barcenas; Sister Ma. Liza Ruedas, Sister Violeta Cecilio, and Sister Geraldine Denoga.
The three impeachment raps against Duterte have now been verified and endorsed by lawmakers and are now waiting for plenary action. The camp of the vice president said they are no longer surprised by these developments.
