Three congressmen from the Duterte family walked out of the House of Representatives on Monday, May 11, just minutes after the opening session of the 20th Congress, ahead of the scheduled vote on the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Davao 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, Davao 2nd District Rep. Omar Vincent Duterte, and Puwersa ng Pilipinong Pandagat party-list Rep. Harold James Duterte left the plenary hall less than 10 minutes into the session as lawmakers prepared for deliberations.
The House was set to vote on the adoption of the Justice Committee’s report recommending the impeachment of the vice president.
On May 4, the committee voted 55-0 to find probable cause and approved the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte.
Speaking briefly to reporters after leaving the plenary, Paolo Duterte declined to comment on the proceedings and the expected outcome of the vote.
“Tanungin mo yung mga boboto, wag ako,” he said when asked about his confidence in the result.
Pressed about allegations raised by his brother, Davao City Acting Mayor Sebastian Duterte, that lawmakers were offered 200 million pesos to oppose the impeachment, Paolo Duterte deferred comment.
“Si Mayor Baste ang tanungin mo,” he said, adding “No comment” when asked if he had received similar information.
When asked if the walkout was a form of protest, he replied, “Anong gagawin ko doon?” before confirming that they had indeed walked out.
Asked about his next step, he responded, “Mag-lunch.”
Omar Vincent Duterte and Harold James Duterte also declined to issue statements, maintaining a no-comment stance.
Hours later, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, marking the second time she has been impeached.
Lawmakers voted 255–26–9 in favor of adopting the Articles of Impeachment on Monday. With 255 affirmative votes, 26 negative votes, and nine abstentions, the chamber approved Committee Report No. 261 and House Resolution No. 989, which contain the formal articles of impeachment.
The approval sends the case to the Senate, which will convene as an impeachment court to try the vice president.
