Metro Manila, Philippines – The two ouster suits against Vice President Sara Duterte will proceed to the next stage as the House justice committee declared the complaints sufficient in substance on Wednesday, March 4.
Fifty-four members voted in favor of the substance of the third and fourth ouster complaints.
Quezon City Rep. Bong Suntay cast the negative vote. No one abstained.
The third complaint was filed by a group of clergy and lawyers and endorsed by Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila De Lima.
A private lawyer filed the fourth complaint endorsed by Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega and Manila Rep. Benny Abante.
Both complaints stemmed from Duterte’s alleged fund misuse, threats to the presidential family, and supposed unexplained wealth, among others.
The ouster bids bear almost the same grounds for impeachment, including culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, bribery, and high crimes.
Duterte will be issued a notice as a respondent to the complaints and may file her response within a non-extendible 10 calendar days.
House justice committee chairperson Jinky Luistro earlier said the proper hearing may begin after the Holy Week break.
