4th Duterte ouster complaint in the works - House official

Metro Manila, Philippines -  Some lawmakers are considering filing another impeachment complaint - the fourth one - against Vice President Sara Duterte, the House of Representatives secretary general said on Thursday, Jan. 2.

“Some House members have told me in confidence that they are thinking of endorsing one of the three impeachment complaints filed earlier or another complaint,” Reginald Velasco told NewsWatch Plus in a message.

He added that the possible new filing will be done next week.

But according to the ACT Teachers party-list, around 10 to 12 lawmakers will endorse the possible fresh complaint, claiming it would be filed on Monday.

“Ang pagkakaiba nito sa mga naunang complaints ay ang substantial na suporta mula sa majority coalition members,” ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said in a statement on Sunday, Jan. 5. Castro is among those who endorsed the second impeachment rap.

[Translation: The difference between the new complaint and the previous raps is the substantial support from the majority coalition members.]

Castro, however, said she does not know the exact details of the personalities who would file the complaint and the sector they belong to.

“Ang ganitong level ng suporta ay hindi basta-basta [This level of support should not be taken lightly]. It reflects serious concerns about VP Sara's actions and use of confidential funds,” she said.

Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña endorsed the first impeachment complaint; Castro, Gabriela Women’s Rep. Arlene Brosas, and Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel for the second; and Camarines Sur Rep. Gabriel Bordado Jr. and AAMBIS-Owa party-list Rep. Lex Colada for the third.

The grounds cited in the complaints were betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption, and plunder among others.

NewsWatch Plus multiplatform producer Jelo Ritzhie Mantaring contributed to this report.