In a significant development in Philippine politics, an additional 25 lawmakers have indicated their desire to join the fourth impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte. This was revealed during a press conference held by House of Representatives leaders on Thursday. Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong stated that these lawmakers, who were previously engaged in activities outside Manila or in their respective districts, have now confirmed their intent to sign the complaint.
Should the process allow for the inclusion of these additional signatories, the number of endorsers would increase from 215 to 240, which would represent over 75% of the total 306 members of the House. Deputy Majority Leader Lorenz Defensor attributed the growing support to effective party consultations involving major political parties such as Lakas-CMD, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, National Unity Party, and Nacionalista Party.
Defensor emphasized that the fourth complaint was crafted to be more robust and clear, thereby gaining the confidence and support of a supermajority in the House. He highlighted that the compelling nature of the evidence presented in this latest complaint was a key factor in rallying over 200 lawmakers to act as complainants.
1-Rider Party-list Representative Rodrigo Gutierrez noted that while previous impeachment attempts against the Vice President did not gain sufficient momentum, the fourth complaint has successfully garnered a consensus among lawmakers. He also addressed allegations of financial incentives being offered for signatures, firmly denying such claims and asserting that the support was based purely on the merits of the case.
Gutierrez and Adiong both dismissed accusations of financial inducements as a smear campaign aimed at undermining the impeachment process. Adiong urged the public to focus on the legal merits of the case rather than being distracted by what he described as fake news.
The House is also gearing up for an information campaign to educate the public about the impeachment process, according to Defensor. Preparations for a potential impeachment trial are also underway, with Representative Rodriguez expressing readiness for any decision the Senate might make regarding the timing of the trial.