Metro Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte will skip the first formal hearing on the fresh impeachment suits against her, as the House justice committee is set to begin what it dubbed 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.
Luistro said the committee is handling the proceedings fairly and within the bounds of the Constitution, stressing that Duterte was given the opportunity to respond to the allegations.
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.
