Lawmakers backing the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte said they were aiming for a margin far beyond the constitutional minimum as the case moved closer to plenary voting at the House of Representatives.
Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said supporters were targeting at least 215 votes, nearly double the 106 votes, or one-third of House membership, required to send the articles of impeachment to the Senate.
Speaking at a forum in Quezon City on Saturday, Ridon said reaching the minimum would likely not be difficult.
“Kung ang minimum requirement lang ay 106, tingin ko hindi na iyon mahirap gawin,” he said.
“At the very best, we would want to get 215 minimum number of votes,” the lawmaker added.
The House committee on justice earlier voted unanimously to find probable cause after a series of hearings that examined allegations involving confidential funds, financial disclosures, and claims of unexplained wealth linked to Duterte and her family.
Ridon said the evidence presented during the hearings was substantial, pointing in particular to issues involving public funds.
He also cited discussions during the inquiry involving at least Php 612.5 million in confidential funds flagged by the Commission on Audit, as well as transactions amounting to Php 6.7 billion allegedly linked to the Duterte-Carpio family.
Ridon said a committee meeting to approve the panel report was expected soon, after which the case could be elevated to the plenary within days. If approved, the articles of impeachment would be transmitted to the Senate, which will convene as an impeachment court.