MANILA — Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice said he will not participate in the voting of the House of Representatives on the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, arguing that the process is driven by political rivalry rather than accountability.

In a report, it said that in an interview over Super Radyo dzBB, Erice said the impeachment complaint reflects a power struggle between two dominant political families.

“Ito ay simpleng agawan ng kapangyarihan ng dalawang political dynasties. Dynasty ng Duterte at dynasty ng Marcos at ayokong maging kabahagi nung mga alipores ng bawat dinastiya sa kanilang laro,” Erice said.

However, the lawmaker from Caloocan’s 2nd district clarified that his decision does not mean he believes the Vice President is free from the allegations.

“Hindi ko sinasabing walang pagkukulang o pagkakamali si VP Sara, pero sa tingin ko, ayoko maging parte nitong moro-moro na ito na labanan ng mga dinastiya at hindi naman talaga ito sa pagsusulong ng accountability, hindi naman ito sa pagsusulong ng good governance. Ito ay para sa labanan ng mga higante sa pulitika. Pinaghihiwalay ang mga tao,” he said.

The statement comes after the House of Representatives of the Philippines justice panel found probable cause on Wednesday to impeach Duterte based on two complaints.

The complaints include allegations of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds, threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family, and unexplained wealth.

Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon earlier said he is confident the House can secure enough votes to impeach the Vice President, noting that at least 106 votes—or one-third of the chamber’s 318 members—are required.

He added that the bloc may even aim for up to 215 votes, citing previous levels of support in earlier proceedings.

Meanwhile, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the Senate will immediately convene as an impeachment court once it receives the Articles of Impeachment from the House.

House Justice Committee chairperson and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro said the panel is set to meet on May 4 to vote on the committee report and Articles of Impeachment before transmitting them to the House committee on rules for plenary scheduling.