MANILA — Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro stressed that the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte should not be halted even if she resigns from her position. According to Luistro, the process is essential to determine whether Duterte may face a permanent ban from holding public office.
Speaking after the House Committee on Justice’s initial deliberations on Wednesday, Luistro clarified that resignation would only nullify the removal-from-office penalty but would not affect the decision on perpetual disqualification.
“There are two penalties under impeachment: removal and perpetual disqualification,” Luistro said. “While stepping down would make removal irrelevant, the determination on permanent disqualification still requires the Senate trial to proceed to a conclusion.”
The committee has scheduled the first official hearings for March 25, with subsequent sessions on April 14, 22, and 29. Out of the four complaints initially filed against Duterte, only two remain active, including one by clergy members and lawyers and another filed by lawyer Nathaniel Cabrera. Both complaints have been validated in form and substance by the committee.
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