The House of Representatives is expected to transmit the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the Senate this week following a 257–25–9 vote approving the report, Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua said Tuesday.
In an interview with DZRH’s “Dos Por Dos” on Tuesday, Chua said the House Secretariat is now coordinating with the Senate regarding the formal transmission of the impeachment articles, but no transfer has yet been made due to a recent change in Senate leadership.
“Vinerify ko pa sa ating SECGEN dahil hanggang ngayon ay sila'y makikipag-coordinate pa lamang sa Senado dahil nagkaroon nga po ng change of leadership. Kaya hindi pa po nila na itra-transmit ito,” he said.
He noted there is no specific constitutional deadline for transmitting the Articles of Impeachment, but emphasized that once received by the Senate, the trial is expected to proceed immediately under the Constitution’s “forthwith” provision.
“Sa ating saligang batas, nakalagay kasi doon, trial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed. Ibig sabihin ay agad-agad.”
Chua added that in previous impeachment cases, the House transmitted the articles on the same day as the vote, though logistical and leadership changes have affected the current timeline.
The congressman further expressed that the overwhelming margin of support exceeded earlier internal projections of around 200 to 230 votes.
“I was expecting around 233 more or less. That’s why I was surprised it reached 257. It was really overwhelming,” he said.
Chua said some votes came from lawmakers he did not expect to support the measure, including Rep. Toby Tiangco, citing earlier public statements against impeachment proceedings. He also noted support from several lawmakers in Mindanao.
According to the congressman, the shift in support was influenced by discussions during the second hearing, particularly on issues involving the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).
“Nung nakita nila yung mga numero na hindi talagang nagtutugma and considering na itong usapin ay probable cause lamang, so gusto rin nila na matuloy ang hearing,” he said, adding that lawmakers want the Vice President to be given the opportunity to explain her side.
