Third Impeachment Complaint Filed Against VP Sara Duterte
SARA DUTERTE – A third impeachment complaint has been filed against the vice president, accusing her of betrayal of public trust, graft, and corruption over the alleged misuse of more than P612 million in confidential funds.
Religious groups, priests, and lawyers filed the complaint, which is based on findings from the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability regarding the use of confidential funds by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) under Duterte’s leadership.
The complaint, represented by lawyer Amando Virgil Ligutan, argues that it is not only the constitutional responsibility of Congress to impeach the Vice President, but also a moral obligation to protect public funds. The filing claims that Duterte failed to provide sufficient documentation to justify her use of confidential funds, such as evidence of reward payments or proof of successful information gathering. According to the complainants, this negligence shows a failure to properly manage public money.
The complaint also accuses Duterte of deliberately misusing public funds by using fictitious individuals, such as Mary Grace Piattos and Kokoy Villamin, to sign acknowledgment receipts. These fabricated names were allegedly used to cover up improper fund usage, and the complainants argue this conduct undermines public trust, making her unfit for office.
The complaint has been endorsed by Camarines Sur Rep. Gabriel Bordado and House Deputy Minority Leader Lex Anthony Colada, both of whom are essential for the impeachment process to move forward. This filing follows two previous impeachment complaints against Duterte, also centered on the misuse of confidential funds, which were endorsed by several lawmakers and sectors.
In response to the complaints, Duterte expressed that she welcomed the impeachment as it allows her to face the accusations alone, without involving her staff. She stated that it would give her the opportunity to defend herself and clarify the charges.
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