More than required number of lawmakers seen to vote for Sara Duterte impeachment

MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives already has 180 lawmakers who will vote in favor of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment, the spokesperson of Lakas-CMD said on Wednesday, May 6.

“We have already, at the very least, 180 votes. So we’re looking at probably more than that,” said House Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong, who is also the BARMM regional head of the House’s largest bloc. “It’s possible that 200 votes might be secured.”

In a separate interview, National Unity Party (NUP) chairperson and Deputy Speaker Ronnie Puno also provided the same number.

“I suspect it will be about 180,” Puno said.

The Constitution sets a threshold of one-third of the entire House body to successfully indict an impeachable official. For the 20th Congress, that is 106 out of 318 lawmakers.

Adiong estimates over 60 out of 69 Lakas members to back the committee report that is expected to be tackled in the plenary on Monday, May 11, while Puno sees at least 30 out of 55 NUP lawmakers casting a yes vote.

NUP said in February that it was unlikely to support Duterte’s impeachment, but has changed tune since.

When asked what evidence that emerged from the hearing surprised him the most, Puno cited Duterte’s alleged hidden wealth.

“We are just puzzled why no case was filed. Of all the 300 (covered and suspicious transaction reports), why was there not even a single case filed for money laundering and fraud?” Puno asked. “You can conclude whatever you want with that but that was not a good development.”

NUP and Lakas both acknowledge that some members are taking into consideration the pressure from Iglesia ni Cristo, which in the past expressed opposition to the impeachment of the Vice President. The religious group practices bloc voting, which could make or break election campaigns of incumbents in 2028.

NUP, in a statement on Tuesday, May 5, appealed to the House leadership not to impose punitive measures against lawmakers who won’t vote in favor of Duterte’s impeachment.

Adiong said Lakas has not discussed sanctions against members who won’t back Duterte’s impeachment, while Marikina 2nd District Representative Miro Quimbo, member of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s party Partido Federal, said there are no orders for them to vote yes next week.

Duterte is accused of misusing public funds, amassing ill-gotten wealth, and making death threats against Marcos. She and her legal team snubbed all committee hearings. – Rappler.com