Makabayan bloc targets 106 signatures to get Duterte impeachment proceedings going

National

A SIGNATURE campaign spearheaded by the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives is gaining momentum, aiming to initiate impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

The group of militant lawmakers is working to gather the necessary 106 signatures, representing one-third of the more than 300 House members, before submitting the impeachment complaint to the plenary.

Former Bayan Muna party-list representative Neri Colmenares, a key figure in the effort, expressed optimism that the signatures could be completed by Monday.

Colmenares outlined that the impeachment process would follow a fast-track approach similar to the impeachment of former President Joseph Estrada in 2000, which was expedited under the leadership of House Speaker Manuel Villar.

Once the required signatures are collected, the impeachment complaint will be submitted to the Speaker, who may either refer it to the House Committee on Justice or directly transmit it to the Senate.

Colmenares emphasized that the complaint, which cites “betrayal of public trust” as the sole ground, includes three acts of misconduct, including violations of law and refusal to attend congressional hearings.

Support for the impeachment process appears to be growing, with Colmenares confident that the complaint will proceed quickly through the Senate due to its streamlined nature.

However, Duterte’s ally, Senator Ronald de la Rosa, voiced concerns about the potential for an impeachment trial, suggesting that the political divide within the government could affect the Vice President’s fate.

Despite these tensions, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco announced a delay in transmitting the two impeachment complaints against Duterte, pending a third complaint.

Meanwhile, Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores confirmed that the House had yet to receive official referrals for the complaints.

As the impeachment process unfolds, the Philippine National Police has begun preparing security measures for upcoming rallies, including one organized by the Iglesia ni Cristo in support of the Vice President.(CMM)