DEPUTY Minority Leader France Castro has called on the House leadership to expedite action on the impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte. Castro urged Speaker Martin Romualdez to refer the complaints to the House Committee on Justice for proper proceedings.
The three verified impeachment complaints, filed between December 2 and December 19, 2024, have remained with the Office of the Secretary General. Castro, along with Representatives Arlene Brosas of Gabriela and Raoul Manuel of Kabataan, endorsed the second complaint, which was submitted by left-leaning organizations.
“Ang balita namin, naron pa rin sa Office of the Secretary General. Dapat nga aksyonan na ito ng leadership… ang taong bayan talagang nagaantay na nitong impeachment proceedings,” Castro said, emphasizing the public’s growing anticipation.
Vice President Duterte has denied allegations of fund misuse, claiming the impeachment complaints are politically motivated. Despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s previous statements discouraging lawmakers from pursuing the case and opposition from religious groups, Castro insisted the House must act independently to hold officials accountable for alleged corruption.
Under House rules, verified impeachment complaints must be immediately referred to the Speaker, who has 10 session days to include them in the Order of Business. Within three session days, the complaints are to be sent to the Committee on Justice for review.
Congress, which adjourned for the holidays on December 18, 2024, will resume session on January 13, 2025, when further action on the complaints is expected.