A party-list lawmaker on Monday said the House of Representatives’ plenary vote on the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte is a crucial test of accountability and constitutional duty, stressing that the proceedings go beyond politics.
Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said lawmakers are being called to stand for “truth, accountability, and justice” as the chamber prepares to vote on the impeachment case against the Vice President.
“This is not merely a political exercise. It is a constitutional act of accountability,” Ridon said.
He emphasized that the impeachment process should not be viewed as belonging to a particular political group or institution, but as a matter that affects the entire nation.
“This fight is ultimately the nation’s fight—for truth, for accountability, for justice,” he added.
He also said Congress is poised to make history, noting that Duterte could become the first vice president to face impeachment proceedings under two different Congresses.
According to the lawmaker, the impeachment complaint is anchored on allegations involving unexplained wealth, misuse of confidential funds, alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other officials, as well as accusations of bribery.
He said the House Committee on Justice found “probable cause” for betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution after reviewing documents, testimonies, and evidence presented during hearings.
Among the issues raised was the reported P6.77 billion in transactions allegedly linked to accounts associated with Duterte and her husband. Ridon said the transactions included around P4.43 billion in inflows, P1.5 billion in outflows, and approximately P2.88 billion in remaining net inflows.
He pointed out that Duterte declared a net worth of only P88.5 million in her 2025 Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).
“The scale of these transactions cannot be reasonably explained by lawful income, declared assets, or the businesses and professional activities attributed to the couple,” the lawmaker remarked.
The solon also cited findings related to the alleged misuse of confidential funds after the Commission on Audit reportedly ordered the return of around P448 million in disallowed and unsupported expenditures, which were tagged as personal liabilities.
Ridon further claimed that evidence presented before the committee included authenticated video recordings allegedly showing Duterte making threats against the President, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
The House plenary is expected to deliberate on the impeachment case as political tensions continue to intensify ahead of a possible Senate trial.