Metro Manila, Philippines – A member of the House justice panel on Wednesday, April 9, described Vice President Sara Duterte’s petition before the Supreme Court as a “distraction” from the constitutional mandate of Congress to proceed with impeachment, saying hearings will continue as scheduled in the absence of a restraining order.
In an interview on The Newsmaker, Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said the House committee on justice will proceed with its April 14 hearing, where key documents and witnesses are expected to be presented.
“Well, it basically means that the hearing on the 14th of April will continue, will proceed as it should,” Ridon said, noting that there will be the presentation of documents from agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Office of the Ombudsman.
Ridon rejected the notion that the development was in favor of the House.
“I wouldn’t call it a partial victory. I would call it an actual distraction from the constitutional mandate of the House to undertake impeachment proceedings,” he said.
He also accused the Duterte camp of making what he described as misleading claims in its petition, particularly on whether impeachment complaints were properly referred to the committee.
“Panlilinlang… tapawang imbento yung mga bagong batayan para sa pagpigil ng impeachment proceedings,” Ridon said.
[Translation: It is deception… newly invented grounds meant to stop the impeachment proceedings.]
Ridon said records of the Feb. 26 plenary session show that the referral of the impeachment complaints came from the House plenary itself, contradicting claims raised in the petition.
He also dismissed arguments that the proceedings violate the one-year bar rule, saying the rule only applies once a complaint has been formally referred by the plenary.
The lawmaker further rejected claims that the House is conducting a “mini-trial,” saying the committee is exercising its mandate to determine the sufficiency of complaints and gather evidence.
“Very clear… the House committee on justice [is] empowered to receive evidence,” he said, adding that issuing subpoenas and requesting documents are part of standard fact-finding procedures.
Ridon said prosecutors are similarly allowed to gather additional evidence beyond initial filings, stressing that the committee’s actions are consistent with both House rules and Supreme Court rulings on impeachment.
The April 14 hearing is expected to focus on the alleged misuse of confidential funds, with witnesses including Ramil Madriaga and officials from the Commission on Audit and Philippine Statistics Authority.
Defense spokesperson Michael Poa has also been subpoenaed to testify on matters related to his work with the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, though Ridon clarified that Poa will appear as a resource person and not as legal counsel.
Ridon said failure to comply with a subpoena could prompt the House to require an explanation, but expressed confidence that invited individuals would attend.
He also reiterated that Duterte has been invited to all hearings and may present her evidence at any stage of the proceedings.
Ridon expressed confidence that the committee is acting within its constitutional mandate and will see the process through.
“We are very intentional that we have to make this right and we have to go through the process up until the very end,” he said.
