FACT CHECK: Impeachment bid vs VP Sara Duterte remains active
Claim: The first impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte was junked within 24 hours.
Rating: FALSE
Why we fact-checked this: The TikTok video containing the claim has 70,600 views, 993 likes, 60 shares, and 475 comments as of writing.
The text in the video states, “Yung matagal mong pinaplano na [ma-impeach] ang VP pero wala pang 24 hours, binasura na” (You’ve been planning for a long time to impeach the VP, but in less than 24 hours, it was already junked).
The facts: It is unlikely for an impeachment complaint to be dismissed or junked within 24 hours, as the post claims. Under Philippine law, specifically Article XI of the 1987 Constitution, the process for handling an impeachment complaint is clearly outlined.
After an impeachment complaint is filed, the House Speaker must include it in the order of business in the plenary, after which the majority shall refer it to the justice committee.
If the complaint is insufficient in form, the panel has a maximum of three session days to return the complaint to the Secretary General with a written explanation. If it is sufficient in form and substance, the committee deliberates on the matter and has a maximum of 60 session days to come up with a formal resolution to the House plenary. For the complaint to advance to trial in the Senate, at least one-third of the House members — 105 out of 316 — must vote in favor of the Articles of Impeachment. (READ: FAST FACTS: How does impeachment work?)
Due to the multi-step nature of impeachment proceedings, it’s unlikely for the complaint against Duterte to be resolved before Congress goes on its Christmas break on December 21. With Congress reconvening on January 13, 2025, the process of review and deliberation could take weeks or even months. (READ: How fast…or slow, can Sara Duterte’s potential impeachment take?)
Impeachment complaints: The Vice President has been under fire in recent months over her alleged misuse of public funds and refusal to answer questions in congressional probes. She further stoked controversy after making threatening remarks against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., prompting the National Bureau of Investigation to serve her a subpoena.
On December 2, the first impeachment complaint was filed against Duterte. Supported by 16 signatories, the 50-page document cites several grounds for her removal, including betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and graft and corruption. It also accuses Duterte of inaction during national crises, silence on Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea, and making threats against public officials.
A second complaint was lodged against Duterte just two days later, on December 4. This second complaint was spearheaded by a coalition of 74 activists, including former lawmakers and representatives from various sectors such as human rights, labor, and student organizations. The group wants Duterte indicted for betrayal of public trust. – Marjuice Destinado/Rappler.com
Marjuice Destinado is a Rappler intern. She is a third-year political science student at Cebu Normal University (CNU), serving as feature editor of Ang Suga, CNU’s official student publication.
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