In what was arguably the biggest shock in the House plenary vote on Monday, May 11, Navotas City lone district Rep. Toby Tiangco joined the overwhelming majority who favored the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Before this, Tiangco--either by design or not--has positioned himself as a growing critic of the Marcos administration, despite being part of the House majority. This was mainly due to his hardline stance for accountability on the flood control projects corruption scandal.

But on Monday, Tiangco chose to lend a hand in the effort to oust President Marcos' biggest critic--the Vice President.

“Hindi madali ang bumoto ng 'yes.' Mabigat ang timing—sa gitna ng krisis sa Gitnang Silangan at sa panahong hirap ang ating mga kababayan. Totoo, mas kailangan ngayon ang mga batas na direktang makakatulong sa kanila," the solon from northern Metro Manila said in a statement Monday night.

(Voting ‘yes’ was not easy. The timing was heavy—amid the crisis in the Middle East and at a time when our fellow citizens are struggling. It is true, what is needed now are laws that directly help them.)

"Ngunit malinaw din sa ating Saligang Batas na may itinakdang proseso at panahon para resolbahin ang impeachment," said Tiangco, who added that inaction was inexcusable.

(But it is also clear in our Constitution that there is a set process and time to resolve impeachment.)

According to the veteran lawmaker, any questions regarding the House's authority shouldn't be used as reason to delay or ignore other issues that still demand accountability. "Accountability is not selective,” he said.

Central to his decision, Tiangco cited the issue surrounding impeachment respondent Duterte's statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN), particularly the non-declaration of certain cash assets. He said this warrants proper explanation in the appropriate forum.

“Kung ako ay bumoto ng 'no' o mag-abstain, para ko nang sinabing hindi na kailangang ipaliwanag ang mga isyung ito. Lalabas na may double standard ako—ang mismong bagay na matagal ko nang kinokontra,” he said.

(If I voted 'no' or abstained, it would be as if I said these issues no longer need to be explained. It would show I have a double standard—the very thing I have long opposed.)

Tiangco also noted that the Vice President’s decision not to participate in House proceedings limited the opportunity to clarify these matters at this stage.

“The vote for 'yes' is not a judgment of guilt. Ito ay pagbibigay daan sa isang pormal, maayos, at transparent na proseso sa Senado kung saan maipapaliwanag ang panig ng Bise Presidente at mailalabas ang buong katotohanan—on record, under due process.”

(This is about opening the way for a formal, orderly, and transparent process in the Senate where the Vice President’s side can be explained and the full truth can be revealed—on record, under due process.)

Tiangco underscored that the Senate trial is the proper venue to address not only the SALN concerns but also related questions involving financial disclosures.

“This is the most responsible step forward—hindi para maghusga, kundi para siguraduhin na may pagkakataon ang bawat panig na marinig at maipagtanggol ang sarili,” he said.

(It is not to judge, but to ensure that each side has the chance to be heard and to defend itself.)

Committee Report (CR) No. 261, which contained the four articles of impeachment against Duterte, was adopted by the House via nominal vote result of 257-25-9 (yes-no-abstain). This plenary action effectively impeached Duterte, and it is now up to the Senate impeachment court to try the Vice President.

A conviction will lead to Duterte’s removal from her seat and perpetual ban from holding public office.