THIS is what we know. Two impeachment complaints have been filed against Vice President Sara Duterte in the House of Representatives, invoking all the grounds enumerated in the Constitution except treason, namely culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust. But President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has no legal role to play in any impeachment proceeding, has called on his Congress allies not to support the complaint, and the politically powerful Christian sect, Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), has announced it would stage a nationwide peaceful rally in support of the president's call, and in opposition to the impeachment bid.
Under the Constitution, the Committee on Justice, after due hearing, shall either affirm the articles of impeachment or deny them by resolution. The House shall then vote on the committee resolution. A vote of at least one-third of all the members of the House shall be necessary either to affirm a favorable resolution or override a contrary one. However, this procedure can be abbreviated if at least one-third of all the members of the House file the verified complaint or resolution of impeachment. The complaint or resolution shall then constitute the articles of impeachment, and trial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed.
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