House Committee Initiates Impeachment Hearings Against Vice President Sara Duterte

The House of Representatives' justice committee has begun hearings on impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte. The agenda includes discussing ground rules, addressing pending motions and subpoenas, scheduling future hearings, and identifying witnesses for the first public session on April 14. Justice committee chair Jinky Luistro described the proceedings as a "mini-trial," emphasizing a deeper examination of the complainants' evidence. Previous meetings were preliminary and did not delve into specific allegations. Representative Chel Diokno requested the committee to take custody of Ramil Madriaga, Duterte's former aide, who alleged coordination with the Vice President's security officers to deliver cash to various individuals. Diokno also sought access to Duterte's Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) and bank records. The impeachment complaints, endorsed by Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega, human rights committee chair Bienvenido Abante, and Senior Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima, cite grounds such as culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes. Allegations include misuse of confidential funds, fabrications in submissions to the Commission on Audit, bribery of education officials, unexplained wealth, and threats to the life of President Marcos and his family. Duterte has referred to the proceedings as a "fishing expedition" and questioned the committee's authority to hear the case. Her response prompted the committee to proceed with the hearings. The House has 60 session days from February 23 to resolve the complaints. If the committee report favors impeachment, a one-third vote in the House plenary will send the case to the Senate for a full trial. Only a Senate conviction can result in Duterte's removal and disqualification from public office.