House Denies Allegations of Bribery in Sara Duterte Impeachment

Strategic Insights -

The House of Representatives has vigorously denied accusations by Vice President Sara Duterte that lawmakers were bribed or coerced into signing the fourth impeachment complaint against her. According to House spokesperson Princess Abante, lawmakers read and understood the articles of impeachment before signing and affirming them, and did so of their own conviction, not for any personal gain or favor. Abante speculated that the Duterte camp may have become accustomed to bribing their allies, but this is not the case in the House of Representatives.

Key Takeaways:

  • The House of Representatives has denied allegations of bribery in the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, stating that lawmakers signed the complaint of their own conviction.
  • 215 lawmakers signed the impeachment complaint, with over 200 of them doing so without any expectation of personal gain or favor.
  • The House prosecution team will file a motion seeking clarification on the Senate's request for a certification of intent to pursue the impeachment.
  • The articles of impeachment were sent to the Senate, but the trial did not start due to alleged constitutional infirmities.
  • The Senate approved a motion to remand the articles back to the House, and the House has deferred acceptance of the returned articles.

Statistics:

  • 215 lawmakers signed the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.
  • At least 25 lawmakers expressed support for the complaint but were unable to sign it.
  • 102 lawmakers, one-third of the 306-member House of Representatives, is the requirement for a trial to proceed forthwith.
  • The House prosecution team will file a motion seeking clarification on the Senate's request for a certification of intent to pursue the impeachment.
  • The impeachment trial did not start due to alleged constitutional infirmities, and the articles of impeachment were remanded back to the House.

Sources:

  • Abante, P. (no date mentioned). House denies Duterte's order to arrest Speaker and LP senators.
  • Inquirer.net. (March 1, 2023). House prosecution team will file a motion for clarification on Senate's request for impeachment certification.
  • Manila Times. (February 5, 2023). Sara Duterte impeached after 215 lawmakers sign complaint.