A key political bloc in the House of Representatives is signaling growing support for elevating the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte to the Senate, with party leaders saying a majority of their members are now inclined to back the move.
Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno said around 60 percent of lawmakers from the National Unity Party are expected to vote in favor of transmitting the Articles of Impeachment once the matter reaches the plenary.
With roughly 55 members in the House, the estimate could translate to around 30 votes supporting the referral of the case for trial.
Puno said sentiment within the party has shifted in recent days. While many members were initially hesitant, he noted that more lawmakers are now leaning toward allowing the Senate to take up the case.
He added that the committee report on the impeachment complaint could secure as many as 180 votes in the 318-member chamber, well above the one-third threshold required to move the case forward.
Under the Constitution, at least 106 votes are needed for the impeachment complaint to be transmitted to the Senate of the Philippines, which would then convene as an impeachment court.
Before the final vote, Puno said the NUP would hold another round of internal consultations to finalize its position. He added that party members have been encouraged to consult their constituents to better reflect public sentiment in their decision.
The House is expected to proceed with plenary deliberations and voting in the coming days, with the outcome likely determining whether the case advances to a full Senate trial.