Petitioners and endorsers of the second impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte have withdrawn their support and are now backing the third complaint filed by clergy members and lawyers. This occurs as the House justice committee begins proceedings on March 2, 2026. The move aims to expedite the process toward accountability.
On March 2, 2026, Representatives Leila de Lima and Perci Cendaña filed a letter with the House Office of the Secretary General stating they would no longer endorse the second impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte. Instead, they will support the third complaint filed by members of the Catholic Church, which De Lima has already endorsed.
The 17 petitioners, including progressive civil society groups, urban poor leaders, families of extrajudicial killing victims, and priests such as Tindig Pilipinas co-convenor Francis Joseph "Kiko" Aquino Dee, Father Flavie Villanueva, and former lawmaker Teddy Baguilat, also withdrew their February 2 complaint. Their letter states that the third complaint contains the same allegations and substantial evidence, making it prudent to consolidate support to 'remove any obstacles against the process of seeking accountability.'
The third complaint cites grounds including culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, plunder, malversation, graft and corruption, bribery, and other high crimes, all related to Duterte's alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds.
During the justice committee's first hearing on Monday, the withdrawal was approved after the petitioners took their oath. The committee will evaluate the form and substance of the three remaining complaints. If at least one is sufficient, it will proceed to more intensive hearings to review evidence and allow Duterte to respond.
This marks the second House attempt to impeach Duterte, but unlike the 2024-2025 saga, none of the four 2026 complaints secured one-third House support, requiring a longer route with committee hearings. Issues include alleged misuse of confidential funds, bribery of education officials, unexplained wealth, and threats to the President and his family. The Vice President has issued blanket denials but has not detailed responses to each allegation. On February 27, the National Unity Party stated it is unlikely to support the drive without new compelling evidence.
