A House leader on Friday backed the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the process is a constitutional mechanism aimed at restoring public trust and addressing serious allegations raised against the country’s second-highest official.
The statement came as the House of Representatives prepares for the transmittal of the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate following weeks of hearings and presentation of evidence.
House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson Jude Acidre echoed the position earlier expressed by Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo that impeachment should not be viewed as political persecution, but as part of democratic accountability.
He said transparency and accountability are essential in addressing growing public doubts over the alleged misuse of confidential funds and other accusations facing the Vice President.
“Tama po si Bishop Bagaforo. Accountability is not political harassment,” Acidre said, describing the impeachment process as a means of seeking answers and restoring confidence in public institutions.
The first Article of Impeachment accuses Duterte of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust over the alleged misuse and questionable liquidation of P612.5 million in confidential funds under the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.
The complaint cites issues involving the rapid disbursement of funds, alleged irregular liquidation documents, Commission on Audit findings, and discrepancies in acknowledgment receipts.
Other Articles of Impeachment include allegations of unexplained wealth, bribery, grave threats, and an alleged assassination plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Lawmakers also pointed to alleged suspicious financial transactions flagged in Anti-Money Laundering Council records involving Duterte and her husband, as well as questions surrounding the increase in her declared net worth over the years.
Acidre said public skepticism has intensified due to Duterte’s repeated absence from congressional hearings where she could have directly addressed the allegations.
He stressed that impeachment is the proper constitutional forum for determining the truth behind the accusations and should not be undermined by political narratives.
The House is expected to decide soon whether to formally transmit the impeachment articles to the Senate, where a trial could take place.