Metro Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte skipped the first hearing on the fresh impeachment suits against her, as the House justice committee began what it called a “mini trial” on Wednesday, March 25.
Michael Poa, Duterte’s defense spokesman, told NewsWatch Plus in a text message that her lawyers wrote to the House panel on the vice president’s non-attendance to the scheduled hearing.
Batangas 2nd district Rep. Jinky Luistro, justice committee chairperson, confirmed the receipt of the information, saying Duterte’s legal team will also not participate in the proceedings citing constitutional concerns.
“They are questioning the constitutionality of the proceedings, but the committee on justice is duty-bound to continue with its mandate under the Constitution,” she said.
In 2025, Duterte’s camp challenged her first impeachment which the Supreme Court later declared unconstitutional – ruling on procedural grounds rather than on the merits. The Senate did not proceed to trial, in light of the SC ruling.
In a statement ahead of the hearing, Duterte called on the committee to dismiss the complaints for their supposed lack of evidence.
She said lawmakers are prioritizing politics over other pressing issues, particularly the rising costs of goods brought about by the impact of the Middle East conflict.
“Naisumite ko na ang aking answer ad cautelam. Sa ngayon, wala nang dapat pang gawin ang komite kundi ibasura ang mga reklamo dahil sa malinaw na kakulangan ng ebidensya,” Duterte said.
[Translation: I have already submitted my answer ad cautelam. At this point, there is nothing more for the committee to do but dismiss the complaints due to the clear lack of evidence.]
Luistro said the committee will proceed with the hearing.
“Dito sa komite, susundan natin ang Saligang Batas. Hindi natin tatalikuran ang ating tungkulin. Iyan ang inaasahan ng taumbayan, hindi pag-iwas— kundi pagharap. Hindi katahimikan— kundi pananagutan,” Luistro said in her opening speech.
[Translation: In this committee, we will follow the Constitution. We will not turn our backs on our duty. That is what the people expect—not avoidance, but facing the issue. Not silence, but accountability.]
The vice president is facing two ouster suits over betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, and high crimes, among others, filed in February 2026 after the one-year bar lapsed.
The complaints stemmed from allegations of public fund misuse as vice president and Education Secretary, threats to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and unexplained wealth.
Duterte, in her formal reply, said the House panel violated her right to due process and that the allegations do not bear ultimate facts.
The justice committee said the first formal proceedings will address motions to secure witnesses and documents, discuss ground rules, and conduct initial hearing on the two ouster suits.
