House refers 4 impeachment complaints vs Sara Duterte to justice panel

February 23, 2026 | 4:29pm

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives referred the four impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte to the Committee on Justice on Monday, February 23.

This move officially initiates the second impeachment process against the vice president and bars any new complaints against Duterte from being entertained for a year.

Duterte faces corruption allegations involving P612.5 million in confidential funds, the "fictitious" names in acknowledgment receipts, bribery in the Department of Education (DepEd), unexplained wealth and discrepancies in her statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN).

Other claims include her alleged conspiracy to commit murder when she issued death threats against President Bongbong Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. 

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

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

Meanwhile, the third impeachment complaint was lodged on February 9 by a group of lawyers, church leaders and members of the clergy. De Lima endorsed this complaint as well. 

Unlike the first three, the fourth complaint was filed by a single petitioner, namely Nathaniel Cabrera, on February 18. It was endorsed by Rep. Bienvenido "Benny" Abante Jr. (Manila, 6th District) and Deputy Speaker Francisco Paolo Ortega V (La Union, 1st District).

The impeachment complaints list several 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 complaints referred, the justice committee will have to determine whether or not the complaints are sufficient in form and substance. This entails assessing whether the complaints were properly filed and endorsed, and whether the allegations are supported by a clear narration of facts.

Rep. Gerville "JinkyBitrics" Luistro, who was elected impeachment prosecutor in Duterte's canceled trial during the 19th Congress, chairs the justice committee. Several other lawmakers, who were once part of the 11-member impeachment prosecution team, are also members of the justice committee.

If at least one complaint passes this stage, the House can conduct further investigation into the allegations. This would include inviting Duterte as the defendant to respond to the allegations and holding more hearings to evaluate existing evidence and witness testimonies. 

Should the justice committee finds probable cause in any of the complaints, it may recommend the impeachment of the vice president to the plenary. A one-third vote is required to approve the recommendation, which would authorize the drafting of articles of impeachment and their transmission to the Senate for trial.