Duterte’s anticlimactic impeachment incident

The events in both Houses of Congress last Wednesday regarding the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte unfolded quickly and excitingly. It felt like a thrilling movie with unexpected twists at every turn, building up to an intense final battle, but the villain is defeated too easily.

Due to time constraints, almost everyone believed that the impeachment against VP Sara was no longer possible. But suddenly, the House managed to secure 215 signatures from its members, surpassing the one-third requirement to fast-track the procedure.

Of the 215 representatives who voted “yes” for the impeachment of Duterte, nine are from Cebu. They are Representatives Edu Rama of Cebu City, South District; Maria Cynthia Chan of Lapu-Lapu City, lone district; Emmarie Ouano Dizon Mandaue City, lone district; Rhea Gullas of Cebu, 1st District; Edsel Galleos of Cebu, 2nd District; Janice Salimbangon of Cebu, 4th District; Duke Frasco of Cebu, 5th District; Daphne Lagon of Cebu, 6th District, and John Peter Calderon of Cebu, 7th District.

Only Representatives Pablo John Garcia of the 3rd District and Cutie del Mar of Cebu City’s North District did not sign the petition. While we may not yet know the reasons behind their decision, their respective constituents deserve an explanation.

They should be ready to explain their constituents should they are asked on the matter.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez then ordered the House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco to immediately transmit the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate. The documents were indeed received by the other chamber through Senate Secretary Renato Bantug at 5:59 P.M.

The biggest twist of the story occurred when the Senate adjourned its session at exactly 7 P.M. without discussing the impeachment compliant. The Senate secretary failed to submit the documents to the plenary. It was Sen. Joel Villanueva who moved to adjourn the session and resume on June 2, 2025, after the May midterm elections.

No one objected. Not even Sen. Risa Honteveros, who is perceived as anti-Duterte in the upper chamber. Senate President Chiz Escudero gave ample time and even asked if anyone objected to Sen. Villanueva’s motion, but no one stood up. Escudero had no other option but to bang the gavel, signifying the motion’s approval.

Was the Senate’s move anticlimactic? It depends on which side of the political fence you are on. For those who want Duterte to be impeached, it certainly feels anticlimactic. They experienced a rush of emotions with the actions of the Lower House, only to be interrupted by the unexpected move of the Senate. But for those who want Sara to continue serving the country as VP, it was likely satisfying.

When the Senate resumes its session on June 2, there will be practically no time left for impeachment, as the 19th congress will end on June 30. The 20th congress will begin with the new set of members.

Those who want to see Sara removed will have to wait until February 5, 2026, exactly one year from when the impeachment was first filed and endorsed in line with the one-year prohibition as provided for by the rules. We do not yet know what the political climate will be by that time.