MANILA – Two House leaders on Friday dismissed allegations that political deals or financial inducements influenced the unanimous decision of the House Committee on Justice to find probable cause in the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Deputy Speakers Paolo Ortega V of La Union and Janette Garin of Iloilo said the 53–0 vote was based entirely on strong documentary and testimonial evidence presented during weeks of hearings.
Ortega rejected claims of bribery, saying the record clearly shows the decision was evidence-driven.
“What pay-off? Everything is in the record. We relied on official documents, sworn statements, and financial records presented openly during the hearings,” he said.
He added that lawmakers from different political groups independently assessed the evidence before reaching a collective decision.
“No spin can erase the fact that the committee was presented with audit findings, financial data, and verifiable records. The conclusion was compelled by evidence,” Ortega said.
He also warned against what he described as unfair attacks on the institution.
Saying lawmakers acted in good faith, Ortega challenged critics to substantiate their accusations with proof.
“If there is evidence of wrongdoing, present it. Otherwise, these claims only damage the integrity of Congress,” he said.
He further explained that a finding of probable cause does not mean guilt, but simply allows the case to proceed to the Senate for trial.
Garin, in a separate statement, denied reports of a supposed PHP1.3-billion “appearance fee” allocation, calling it false and misleading.
“Walang katotohanan ang ‘appearance fees’ at wala ring pamimilit,” she said.
She said the evidence against Duterte was strong and went uncontested, noting the Vice President’s absence during hearings.
“That’s why the vote was unanimous. The evidence was clear and unanswered,” she added.
Garin said the allegations against committee members were attempts to divert attention from the findings.
The House panel voted 53–0 with no abstentions after hearings covering alleged fund misuse, unexplained wealth, and threats against government officials.
The committee is now set to finalize its report for endorsement to the House plenary, which may later transmit the impeachment articles to the Senate for trial.
ia/xf
