Vice President Sara Duterte's camp frames her impeachment proceedings as a political distraction from the escalating energy crisis, while House lawmakers assert they can address both accountability and economic challenges.
The House justice committee began the proper hearing on Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment case on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Justice committee chairperson Jinky Luistro addressed the oil crisis directly in her opening speech. “Oil prices are rising. The cost of basic goods is increasing. Ordinary Filipinos feel the weight of daily life more than ever. And yet, even as we undertake this solemn constitutional duty, the House of Representatives does not forget its other responsibilities. We continue working on our other obligations even though there is an impeachment proceeding,” said Luistro, the Batangas congresswoman. She noted the House's approval of a bill authorizing the President to suspend or reduce fuel excise taxes, which Marcos signed into law the next day, March 26. Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega, who endorsed one of the active complaints against the vice president, stated on Thursday, March 26: “The premise is flawed. Addressing inflation and ensuring accountability are not competing tasks — they are both essential to governance.” In a statement, Sara Duterte said: “The country’s current problems are the looming closure of businesses, job losses, and the hardship faced by every Filipino family due to the continued rise in the prices of goods. Once again, politics is being prioritized over the welfare of millions of Filipinos.” PPP Representative Harold Duterte added: “There is a time for politics, and there is a time for survival. Elections exist to settle political differences. But crises such as this demand unity, urgency, and decisive action.” A July 2025 Pulse Asia survey found two in every three Filipinos believe she should face the impeachment court. Bicol Saro Representative Terry Ridon remarked: “Not only food or livelihood matters to the people. Accountability also matters, and so does justice. Can those be eaten? No. But they still matter to people.”
