The House of Representatives will continue impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte next month despite a Supreme Court petition filed by her supporters. Lawmakers stated the justice committee will follow the 1987 Constitution and House rules. Clarificatory hearings are underway to determine probable cause.
The House justice committee, chaired by Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, began clarificatory hearings on March 25 after deeming two impeachment complaints by Fr. Joel Saballa and lawyer Nathaniel Cabrera sufficient in form and substance. The panel is assessing probable cause, the final step before transmitting the case to the Senate for trial. Hearings are set for April 14, 22, and 29 ahead of Congress's May 4 session resumption.
San Juan Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora said the Supreme Court petition, filed by Duterte ally lawyer Israelito Torreon seeking a temporary restraining order, was anticipated. "Of course, we expected that, and we felt that they were going to file a petition before the SC," Zamora told ANC yesterday. She expressed confidence in House support for the case, contingent on presented evidence.
Luistro emphasized the hearings' role in verifying allegations through evidence and witness testimonies. "A clarificatory hearing akin to a preliminary investigation whose purpose is to determine only probable cause," she stated. She distinguished these proceedings from a full Senate trial and urged any court review focus on actual actions, not terminology.
Vice President Duterte's defense spokesman Michael Poa said they would not oppose elevating the case to the Senate if the House proceeds. "If they have the numbers then why is there a need for hearings? ... We are ready, just like we were ready last year," Poa remarked. The team has boycotted committee hearings, accusing them of a 'fishing expedition' for irrelevant documents.
