Former Congress allies desert Sara Duterte in impeachment vote 

Vice President Sara Duterte faces renewed political challenges on Monday, May 11, after several lawmakers, including former allies in the House of Representatives, joined 257 lawmakers in voting to impeach her for a second time. 

The House approved the justice committee report that found probable cause in multiple complaints against Duterte, exceeding the constitutional requirement needed to elevate the case to the Senate of the Philippines for trial. 

Twenty-five lawmakers voted against the impeachment, while nine abstained. 

The voting results reflected shifts in legislative support as some lawmakers expected to oppose the measure instead voted in favor or did not directly participate. 

Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco voted in favor of the impeachment during the plenary proceedings. 

Tiangco’s vote was noted among lawmakers whose positions drew public attention due to prior political affiliations. 

Davao lawmakers Paolo Duterte and Omar Duterte were present during the session but left before the final vote. 

Their absence from the recorded vote became part of broader discussions surrounding congressional responses to the impeachment. 

House Justice Committee Chair Gerville Luistro said the chamber’s decision centered on constitutional responsibility. 

“Ang tanong lamang na nasa harap natin ngayon ay may sapat bang dahilan kung dapat ituloy ang paglilitis sa Senado,” Luistro said during deliberations. 

She described the process as part of the House’s duty under the Constitution. 

Akbayan Representative Perci Cendaña also expressed support for the impeachment proceedings. 

“Hindi tayo magpapatinag,” Cendaña said in explaining his vote. 

The impeachment articles included allegations involving misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and constitutional violations. 

Duterte and her legal team had denied the allegations through public statements while declining participation in several hearings. 

The case now moves to the Senate, which is tasked with convening as an impeachment court. 

A conviction would require a two-thirds Senate vote and could remove Duterte from office. 

The House vote marked a significant stage in the impeachment process while highlighting evolving political alignments within Congress. 

Duterte became the first Philippine national official to face impeachment twice. 

The proceedings also underscored the role of constitutional mechanisms in addressing allegations against high-ranking public officials.