MANILA – Twenty-five additional lawmakers have expressed their intent to join the fourth impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, bringing the total number of endorsers to 240, over 75% of the House’s 306 members.

Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong confirmed that these lawmakers, who were previously abroad or in their districts, have now submitted their verification to sign the complaint.

Deputy Majority Leader Lorenz Defensor attributed the growing support to consultations across major political parties, including Lakas-CMD, PFP, NUP, and NP. He emphasized that the complaint’s stronger, clearer case gained the supermajority’s confidence.

1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodrigo Gutierrez noted that prior impeachment attempts lacked momentum, but this filing has gained widespread consensus.

Gutierrez denied claims of financial incentives or “ayuda” being offered in exchange for signatures, asserting that the support stems purely from the merits of the case.

Adiong dismissed these allegations as part of a “smear campaign” aimed at undermining the impeachment process, urging the public to focus on the legal merits.

The House is also preparing an information campaign to educate the public on the impeachment process, with plans for an impeachment trial already underway.

Rodriguez stated that they are ready for any decision the Senate may make, whether it’s to proceed with the trial as early as March or after June 2.

ia/mnm