MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives’ committee on justice has approved its report on two impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, concluding that there is probable cause to pursue her removal from office.
During Monday’s hearing, Deputy Speaker David Suarez moved for the adoption of the amended report, which includes the proposed articles of impeachment. The motion was unanimously approved, with all 55 members present voting in favor, according to committee chair Gerville Luistro, who called for a nominal vote.
Following the approval, the report will be transmitted to the House bills and index division. The House Committee on Rules will then decide when to include it in the plenary agenda.
Once elevated to the full House, the measure will be formally sponsored by committee leaders. Lawmakers who were not able to closely examine the complaints at the committee level may still raise objections during plenary deliberations.
The panel conducted eight hearings prior to Monday’s decision. Early discussions from March 2 to 4 focused on the complaints’ sufficiency in form and substance, during which the first complaint filed by the Makabayan bloc was set aside over concerns related to the one-year bar rule.
Another complaint filed by Tindig Pilipinas was later withdrawn by its proponents to avoid potential legal issues.
After determining that the remaining complaints met procedural requirements, the committee invited Duterte to respond. She submitted a consolidated answer on March 16, though complainants dismissed it as inadequate.
Subsequent proceedings included hearings on evidence gathering, issuance of subpoenas, and clarificatory sessions. Key issues examined included alleged misuse of confidential funds, claims from a former aide, undeclared wealth, and supposed threats directed at top officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr..
On April 29, the panel unanimously affirmed the existence of probable cause, with all 53 members present voting in the affirmative.
Luistro said the House plenary may take up the report as early as May 11, when lawmakers will decide whether to adopt or reject the committee’s findings.
ia/xf
