MANILA — The House Committee on Justice is preparing to focus on allegations of death threats against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte during its April 29 hearing.
Committee chair Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro said the session will feature findings from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which is expected to present documents and evidence linked to the alleged threats made in November 2024.
Luistro confirmed that subpoenas and a duces tecum order have already been issued requiring the NBI to submit all relevant digital and documentary materials.
The April 29 hearing will reportedly have the NBI as the sole resource person, allowing lawmakers to focus on clarifying the allegations and possibly move toward a vote on probable cause.
“We are inclined to proceed with evaluating the evidence and may vote on probable cause after the hearing,” Luistro said.
Before any vote is held, the committee will also decide whether to unseal income tax records of Duterte and her husband submitted by the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
Luistro said the panel cannot close its proceedings with pending matters and noted that if the tax documents remain sealed, they may be transmitted to the Senate for further action.
The committee earlier deferred discussion on the tax records due to legal limits under the tax code on disclosure.
IA/XF
