The House justice committee proceeds with the first impeachment hearing against Vice President Sara Duterte on March 25, 2026, despite her and her lawyers' absence. The agenda includes ground rules, pending motions, subpoenas, and witnesses for the April 14 public hearing. Officials stress the proceedings are evidence-based from official audit findings.
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives' justice committee began the hearing proper on impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte on March 25, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the House People's Center, despite her and her lawyers not attending, as reported by Philstar.com and Rappler. Committee chair Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, also referred to as Jinky Luistro in some reports, confirmed the panel would proceed with two remaining complaints: one by Fr. Joel Saballa endorsed by Rep. Leila de Lima, and another by lawyer Nathaniel Cabrera endorsed by Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. and Deputy Speaker Francisco Paolo Ortega V. The agenda covers pending motions including subpoenas for documents, custody of key witness Ramil Madriaga—Duterte's former aide who claims to have acted as a 'bagman' delivering cash—and a conflict of interest involving two members of her legal team. 'If the complainants are ready, we can actually proceed to presentation of evidence and witnesses,' Luistro said in a joint statement with Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon. Allegations include misuse of confidential and intelligence funds, unexplained wealth, Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth violations, bribery of education officials, and death threats against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Duterte has called the proceedings a 'fishing expedition' and questioned the committee's authority in her verified answer. Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno requested her SALN and bank records. Ridon emphasized, 'These are not speculation. These are official audit findings.' The House has 60 session days from February 23 to resolve the complaints. Subsequent hearings are scheduled for April 14, 22, and 29, authorized even during recess. 'This is about accountability under the Constitution,' Ortega said. Complainants' counsel Dino de Leon stated Duterte is 'duty-bound' to face the process.
