Many 'in favor' expected in plenary vote on impeachment complaints vs. VP Sara Duterte, lawmaker says

Senior Deputy House Majority Leader Lorenz Defensor said he expects many lawmakers to vote in favor of the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte during the upcoming plenary session.

Speaking on DZRH’s Isyung Pambayan on Sunday, Defensor said a number of House members, including some of the Vice President’s allies, have been convinced that there is sufficient basis to proceed with impeachment based on the Committee on Justice report.

“Asahan natin marami ang bobotong pabor sa impeachment complaints na ito... Linawin lang natin, hindi ito pagpapatalsik, kundi ang sinasabi ng Committee on Justice ay may sapat na batayan ng paglabag sa ating Konstitusyon,” Defensor said.

He added that the absence of a clear explanation from the Vice President during committee hearings may have influenced some lawmakers’ position.

“Maraming pagkakataon na maipaliwanag at maipagtanggol sana niya ang kanyang sarili, pero hindi ito nangyari. Sa palagay ko, nakumbinsi ang maraming congressmen, pati na rin ang ilan niyang supporters, na bumoto pabor sa impeachment,” he said.

The Committee on Justice report is expected to be presented to the plenary on Monday, May 11, along with a vote that requires at least one-third of House members’ approval for the Articles of Impeachment to be transmitted to the Senate.

Ahead of the plenary session, Defensor said meetings are also expected among members of the National Unity Party, party-list representatives, and the minority bloc to assess the final vote count.

“Maganda na mapagbotohan na ito. Kung sakaling walang sapat na numerong papabor sa impeachment sa Lunes, maaaring ma-dismiss ito at makakapagpatuloy si Vice President sa kanyang trabaho,” he added.

Defensor said the plenary vote is a test of lawmakers’ independence and conscience, emphasizing that members are not being pressured on how to vote.

Vice President Duterte is facing multiple impeachment complaints filed in the House of Representatives, consolidated under allegations of betrayal of public trust, corruption, and misuse of public funds. These include claims involving the alleged irregular use of confidential and intelligence funds during her tenure as Vice President and former Education Secretary, as well as accusations of unexplained wealth and alleged threats against high-ranking officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the First Lady, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Earlier, the House Committee on Justice approved the Committee Report and resolution containing the Articles of Impeachment in a 55–0 vote, after finding probable cause based on testimony and documentary evidence presented in the proceedings.