Metro Manila, Philippines – Deliberations on the fresh impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte will begin next week, a House of Representatives official said on Tuesday, Feb. 24.
Batangas Rep. Jinky Luistro, who chairs the justice committee, the thrice weekly proceedings (Monday to Wednesday) will begin on March 2. The panel will determine whether the impeachment complaints are sufficient in form and substance.
Luistro said the committee will tackle the four ouster bids separately, similar to the failed impeachment bids against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“We will tackle per ground. Pero kapag bumoto tayo, [But when we vote] our vote will be based on the entirety of the impeachment complaint,” she said.
She said Duterte’s case may take a longer time given the number of complaints.
Three were refiled versions of impeachment bids filed in 2024, and separately endorsed by the Makabayan bloc, Akbayan, and Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima.
Nathaniel Cabrera, a private lawyer, filed the fourth complaint, endorsed by Deputy Speaker and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega and Manila Rep. Benny Abante.
The complaints stemmed from Duterte’s supposed fund misuse, threats to the presidential family, and unexplained wealth, among others.
“If there are five grounds for four impeachment complaints, this will be a total of 20 grounds na pag-uusapan [we will discuss here a total of 20 grounds]. Although I wish to advance as well that there are grounds which were repeated or the same grounds, which were raised in the other impeachment complaints,” Luistro said.
Duterte’s presence, timeline
Should the complaints be found compliant in form and substance, Duterte will be given a notice to respond within 10 calendar days.
Hearings will begin only after the committee finds sufficient basis on the impeachment bids. Duterte and the complainants will then be invited to present their arguments.
Luistro said the vice president may waive her right to participate in the hearing as part of due process.
After the hearing, justice panel members will vote whether or not there is probable cause to impeach Duterte – subject for plenary approval.
A one-third plenary vote is needed to send the articles of impeachment against Duterte to the Senate for trial.
Luistro said the committee is inclined to continue the hearing even during recess. The Constitution states that the justice committee has 60 session days to resolve the impeachment bids.
Over 200 House lawmakers impeached Duterte in 2025, which the Supreme Court declared as unconstitutional for violating the one year-bar rule against more than one impeachment proceedings against an official in one year.
