A fourth impeachment complaint has been filed against Vice President Sara Duterte, differing from previous attempts by centering on allegations regarding her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN). The 69-page verified complaint was filed on February 18 and transmitted to the office of Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III the following day.
Focus on Asset Declarations
The complaint, prepared by lawyer Nathaniel G. Cabrera, alleges unexplained wealth and possible omissions in Vice President Duterte’s asset declarations. It was endorsed by La Union 1st district Representative Paolo Ortega V and Manila 6th district Representative Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr.
According to the complaint, a key argument for impeachment rests on discrepancies between Vice President Duterte’s SALNs and her actual wealth. Cabrera is requesting the House to take specific actions to investigate these claims.
Investigative Requests
Cabrera has requested that the House issue subpoenas for bank records, covering deposits, withdrawals, transfers, and account activity from 2019 to 2025. He also asks for coordination with the Commission on Audit (CO), the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to trace financial transactions.
The complaint further proposes commissioning an independent forensic accounting team to reconcile the Vice President’s SALNs with her bank and property records. Cabrera argues these requests are permissible under the House’s investigatory powers and existing jurisprudence regarding bank secrecy in cases of alleged corruption.
Cabrera states that if these allegations are proven, they could constitute a betrayal of public trust, a violation of disclosure duties, and potentially lead to criminal liability.
Potential Next Steps
The complaint has been formally received by the House Secretary General. A possible next step is for the House to determine whether the complaint meets the requirements for formal impeachment proceedings. If deemed sufficient, a committee could be formed to investigate the allegations. The House could also decide to act on Cabrera’s requests for subpoenas and coordination with other agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grounds are sufficient for impeachment of an impeachable officer?
Under the 1987 Constitution, an impeachable officer like the Vice President may be removed from office due to culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust.
Who filed the complaint?
The complaint was filed by lawyer Nathaniel G. Cabrera and endorsed by La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V and Manila 6th district Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr.
What is the central argument of the complaint?
The central argument is based on alleged unexplained wealth and possible omissions in Vice President Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).
As this process unfolds, will the focus on financial disclosures set a new precedent for accountability in Philippine politics?
