The House committee on justice has subpoenaed National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag to submit documents on its probe into Vice President Sara Duterte’s threats to kill top government officials. The move relates to impeachment complaints against her. With no temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court, hearings will proceed as scheduled.
MANILA, Philippines — The House committee on justice has subpoenaed National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag to provide documents on its probe into Vice President Sara Duterte’s threats in November 2024 against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former speaker Martin Romualdez.
The panel requires certified copies of investigation records, documents and photographs. Matibag must appear at the April 14, 2026, 10 a.m. hearing at the House of Representatives’ People Center. The March 31 order is signed by justice committee chairperson Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, Speaker Faustino Dy III and House Secretary General Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil.
The committee will proceed without a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court, Luistro said. “In the absence of a temporary restraining order (TRO), the Committee will proceed as scheduled,” she stated, adding hearings are set for April 14, 22 and 29.
Luistro described issues from Duterte’s camp as largely technical and affirmed compliance with constitutional rules, including the one-year bar. Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua said the proceedings are not a distraction from the global oil crisis but preparation for the 2028 elections. “The impeachment is not a distraction. It is a preparation for the right choice in 2028,” Chua said.
