The impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte has advanced to the plenary level of the House of Representatives after lawmakers formally referred the committee report for full debate and voting.
The development came after Assistant Majority Leader Rep. Agatha Paula Cruz moved to include Committee Report No. 261 in the order of business, clearing the way for discussions in the plenary and eventual voting by House members.
The report stems from the findings of the House Committee on Justice, which earlier approved the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte. The allegations include betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, corruption, and other high crimes. These are tied to accusations involving alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and an alleged plot targeting top government officials.
Once plenary debates conclude, lawmakers are expected to vote on whether to approve the impeachment complaint. Under the Constitution, at least one-third of the 318 House members—or 106 votes—are needed to transmit the case to the Senate for trial.
If the threshold is met, the case will move to the Senate, which will sit as an impeachment court to conduct trial proceedings.
House Committee on Justice Chair Rep. Gerville Luistro said in a radio interview that the chamber could be ready for a vote as early as May 11. She added that lawmakers will have several days to review the committee report before deliberations begin.
Luistro also expressed confidence that the plenary will act on the report and potentially reach the required number of votes to elevate the case for trial in the Senate.
The impeachment process marks one of the most closely watched developments in the House, with deliberations expected to proceed in the coming days as lawmakers prepare for formal debate and voting.