MANILA—The House of Representatives on Monday, February 23, formally referred four impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte to the Committee on Justice, initiating the second impeachment process against her and preventing new complaints from being filed for a year.

Duterte faces allegations involving corruption, including the misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds, “fictitious” names in acknowledgment receipts, bribery in the Department of Education (DepEd), and unexplained wealth and discrepancies in her statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN). Other claims include her alleged conspiracy to commit murder over purported death threats against President Bongbong Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Several of the complaints cite the sworn testimony of Duterte’s former aide, Ramil Madriaga, who claimed to have delivered confidential funds to her security personnel. Madriaga also alleged that proceeds from the illegal drug trade and Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) were used to finance Duterte’s 2022 campaign.

The first two complaints were filed on February 2 by progressive groups, civil society organizations, and representatives of marginalized sectors. The first was endorsed by the Makabayan bloc, while the second was backed by Leila de Lima (ML Party-list) and Perci Cendaña.

The third complaint, filed on February 9, was lodged by a group of lawyers, church leaders, and members of the clergy, and was also endorsed by De Lima. The fourth complaint, submitted by a single petitioner, Nathaniel Cabrera, on February 18, was endorsed by Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. and Deputy Speaker Francisco Paolo Ortega V.

The complaints cite multiple grounds for Duterte’s removal, including betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, and other high crimes.

With the referrals, the justice committee must first determine whether the complaints are sufficient in form and substance. This involves assessing whether the complaints were properly filed and endorsed, and whether the allegations contain a clear narration of facts.

Gerville Luistro, who served as impeachment prosecutor during Duterte’s canceled trial in the 19th Congress, chairs the justice committee. Several other former members of the 11-person impeachment prosecution team also sit on the panel.

If at least one complaint passes this stage, the House can conduct a more detailed investigation, including summoning Duterte to respond and evaluating evidence and witness testimony. Should the committee find probable cause, it may recommend impeachment to the plenary, which requires a one-third vote to authorize the drafting of articles of impeachment and their transmission to the Senate of the Philippines for trial.