House Justice Committee Approves Duterte Impeachment Report

The House of Representatives justice committee has approved a report finding probable cause to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, paving the way for plenary debates starting May 11 on articles accusing her of misusing confidential funds, amassing unexplained wealth, bribery and issuing death threats against top officials.

All 55 members of the committee voted in favor of the report during a session this week, according to Rep. Terry Ridon, a committee member. The panel cited evidence including Commission on Audit findings on irregular spending of at least 500 million pesos in confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President and 112.5 million pesos from the Department of Education, as well as bank records showing billions of pesos in transactions inconsistent with Duterte's statements of assets, liabilities and net worth. Witnesses also provided sworn testimonies alleging bribery involving officials under her authority and threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Rep. Martin Romualdez.

The report was referred to the House Committee on Rules for scheduling. A plenary vote requires at least one-third of the 318-member chamber, or...