Tindig Pilipinas backs clergy’s complaint to fast-track Sara Duterte impeachment

MANILA, Philippines – Tindig Pilipinas announced it will withdraw its impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte and throw its support behind a clergy-backed complaint to accelerate the process in the House of Representatives.

“Consolidating our support behind the third complaint will strengthen our position and help move the case forward to the Senate impeachment court,” the group said in a statement on Sunday, March 1.

The complaint that Tindig Pilipinas will now support was filed on February 9 by priests, nuns, and lawyers. It accuses Duterte of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and high crimes, including the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds, bribery of education officials, an assassination threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family, and unexplained wealth, among other allegations.

The clergy described the complaint as a matter of “moral concern.” It is backed by Mamamayang Liberal Representative Leila de Lima.

There are so far four impeachment complaints filed against the Vice President since the Supreme Court ruled that impeachment proceedings were triggered on January 14, 2025, lifting her one-year immunity on January 15, 2026.

The first refiled complaint in early February came from progressive groups, including Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, and was endorsed by the Makabayan bloc.

“We believe that the impeachment process must proceed at the earliest possible time, free from procedural limbo and unnecessary legal delays that would otherwise obstruct the process,” Tindig Pilipinas said.

The group is expected to formally withdraw its complaint on Monday, March 2. – Rappler.com