Another 25 members of the House of Representatives have signed the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, according to House Secretary General Reginald Velasco.
Impeachment is a process where high-ranking government officials can be removed from office if they are accused of doing something very wrong.
Why Did They Sign Late?
Velasco explained that these 25 lawmakers could not sign the first time because they were either:
Traveling abroad 
Busy with important work in their districts 
But now, they have officially confirmed their support for the impeachment by sending their signatures.
Who Are the 25 New Lawmakers Supporting the Impeachment?
These representatives come from different parts of the Philippines:
From Provinces
- Biñan – Rep. Marlyn “Len” Alonte
- Cagayan – Rep. Ramon Nolasco Jr.
- Isabela – Rep. Tonypet Albano
- Lanao del Norte – Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo
- Leyte – Rep. Carl Nicolas Cari
- Masbate – Reps. Richard Kho, Olga “Ara” Kho, and Wilton Kho
- Negros Occidental – Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo
- Quirino – Rep. Midy Cua
- Sultan Kudarat – Rep. Princess Rihan M. Sakaluran
- Pangasinan – Reps. Ramon Guico Jr. and Arthur Celeste
- Cavite – Rep. Adrian Jay Advincula
- Tarlac – Reps. Noel “Bong” Rivera and Christian Tell Yap
- Oriental Mindoro – Rep. Alfonso Umali Jr.
From Party-List Groups
- Ako Bicol – Rep. Zaldy Co
- Ako Bisaya – Rep. Sonny Lagon
- GP – Rep. Jose Gay Padiernos
- Ako Ilocano Ako (AIA) – Rep. Richelle Singson
- Kabayan – Rep. Ron Salo
- Sagip – Rep. Caroline Tanchay
- Abono – Rep. Robert Raymund Estrella
- ACT-CIS – Rep. Edvic Yap
What Happens Next?
For an impeachment case to move to trial in the Senate, at least 102 lawmakers out of the 306 House members need to sign the complaint.
215 lawmakers already signed at first, which was more than enough to reach the required number.
If the Senate accepts the 25 new signers, the total will become 240 lawmakers supporting the impeachment.
Rep. Zia Adiong from Lanao del Sur, one of the first to sign, said that the Senate will decide whether to include the 25 new signatures.
Why Are They Impeaching VP Sara Duterte?
The lawmakers are accusing Vice President Sara Duterte of committing serious offenses while in office. Here are the major accusations against her:
Trying to Harm the President
- Allegedly planned to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Stealing Government Money
- Allegedly misused ₱612.5 million in confidential funds (money meant for secret government projects).
- Provided questionable receipts for how the money was spent.
Bribery & Corruption in DepEd (Department of Education)
- When she was Education Secretary, she gave out cash to certain officials:
- Gloria Jumamil-Mercado
- Resty Osias
- Rhunna Catalan
- Edward Fajarda
Unexplained Wealth
- Her wealth increased 4 times from 2007 to 2017 without a clear explanation.
- Did not fully declare her assets in official government reports.
Involvement in Killings
- Allegedly responsible for extrajudicial killings (killings without a proper court case) in Davao City.
Causing Public Chaos & Disrespecting the President
- Refused to attend President Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) and instead called herself a “designated survivor.”
- Led rallies demanding Marcos Jr.’s resignation.
- Blocked investigations by telling her staff not to obey government subpoenas (official orders to testify).
- Threatened violence against the President, First Lady, and House Speaker.
What’s Next?
Now that even more lawmakers are supporting the impeachment, the Senate will review the case. If the Senate approves the complaint, there will be an official impeachment trial, where both sides will present evidence.
If found guilty, Vice President Sara Duterte could be removed from office.
