San Juan City Rep. Bel Zamora believes the House committee on justice has a solid case for impeaching Vice President Sara Duterte and can secure enough votes for a Senate trial. She said they need around 106 votes, or one-third, and they have the numbers. Duterte's camp has filed a Supreme Court petition to halt the proceedings.
At a news forum, San Juan City Rep. Bel Zamora, vice chairman of the House committee on justice, said the panel has a solid case against Vice President Sara Duterte and expects to secure enough votes for a Senate trial. "I believe we have the numbers," she said, noting they need around 106 votes, or one-third of the House. She acknowledged some colleagues had concerns over evidence but assured a strong case exists.
Zamora noted some lawmakers hesitated due to upcoming elections, calling impeachment a political process, but said peers are coming around. The hearings aim to determine probable cause, akin to a preliminary investigation, allowing clarificatory questions.
She criticized Duterte's legal team for filing a over 100-page Supreme Court petition shortly after a hearing, suggesting it was pre-prepared. The Supreme Court ruled earlier this year on constitutionality, directing the House to provide due process.
Justice committee chairperson Rep. Gerville Luistro echoed puzzlement, stating, "We are conducting clarificatory hearing... we are giving due process to the respondent." She emphasized following impeachment rules and the Constitution.
In Davao City, Duterte said independent lawyers led by Israelito Torreon filed the petition without consulting her. "They didn’t consult me... I’m grateful to the independent lawyers," she said.
Manila Rep. Joel Chua said the move confirms Duterte fears a Senate trial. Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon cited a Pulse Asia survey showing 51.5 percent distrust of Duterte, linked to evasion of corruption allegations, especially confidential funds.
Zamora expressed confidence in the Supreme Court's handling and dismissed fears of a constitutional crisis or distraction from the energy crisis, stressing the committee's 60-session-day timeline.
