Metro Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte was a no-show again in the impeachment hearing of the House of Representatives, as key documents and witnesses are expected to be presented on Tuesday, April 14.
Her defense team, who previously called the proceedings unconstitutional, did not attend the hearing as well, said Michael Poa, the defense team spokesman.
Poa was present at the hearing on a subpoena issued by the House justice committee. He was former chief of staff of the Department of Education (DepEd) during Duterte’s term. The vice president quit the agency in 2024 amid rifts with the president.
In a chance interview, Poa said he attended the hearing to comply with the summons.
Duterte is facing two impeachment complaints for supposed betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, and high crimes, among others over alleged misuse of public funds, threats to the first family, and unexplained wealth.
She challenged the legality of the proceedings before the Supreme Court over supposed constitutional flaws.
House asserts power: ‘Hawak natin ang beat’
In her opening speech, justice committee chairperson Jinky Luistro asserted the House role in initiating impeachment proceedings, responding to critics questioning its jurisdiction.
Luistro said the panel does not encroach on the Senate’s power as the impeachment court, reiterating that they are not holding trial.
“Ang ibig sabihin ng exclusive ay malinaw: Sa Kamara nagsisimula ang impeachment process. Sa atin ang unang galaw. Sa atin ang direksyon. Gaya ng sabi ng mga kabataan, hawak natin ang beat, she said.
[Translation: What exclusive powers mean is clear. The House initiates the impeachment process. We act first. The direction is on us. Just like what the youth said, we hold the beat.]
The lawmaker also denied Duterte’s accusations that the House is holding a mere fishing expedition.
“Hindi ito fishing expedition. Hindi ito bahala na si Batman. Hindi tayo nangangapa. Alam natin ang hinahanap natin: kung may probable cause ba o wala,” Luistro said.
[Translation: This is not a fishing expedition. We don’t leave it up to Batman. We know what we’re looking for: if there is a probable cause or not.]
The April 14 hearing would feature key witnesses and documents, including Ramil Madriaga, the vice president’s self-confessed bagman, who will testify publicly for the first time.
READ: What to expect in Duterte impeach hearing on April 14
