Day 4 of VP Sara impeachment hearing zeroes in on her death threats; vote imminent

Bookmark this page for the livestream of the hearing on Wednesday, April 29, at 10 am

MANILA, Philippines – The House justice committee holds its fourth public impeachment hearing on Wednesday, April 29, with a vote on probable cause likely to be held if discussions wrap up early.

The panel has already examined in detail the allegations of confidential fund misuse and unexplained wealth raised against the Vice President in earlier hearings, leaving the apparent death threats she made in the past as one of the few major issues yet to be tackled.

The National Bureau of Investigation, which was summoned to the hearing, is expected to provide the committee copies of its findings from its probe into Duterte’s apparent threats to the life of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former House speaker Martin Romualdez.

The committee may also revisit Duterte’s tax records after deferring the issue in the previous hearing amid conflicting views on whether opening the Bureau of Internal Revenue box containing the documents would violate the National Internal Revenue Code.

If discussions wrap up early, the committee may hold a vote to determine whether there is probable cause to impeach the Vice President.

If the yes vote prevails, the committee will come up with a report that could be transmitted to the plenary as early as May 4, or when Congress resumes session.

Committee chair Jinky Luistro previously said that a plenary vote could take place as early as May 11.

A one-third vote in the plenary results in the impeachment for a second time of the Vice President, which is unprecedented in Philippine history.

The articles of impeachment will then be submitted to the Senate, which will hold a trial to determine whether Duterte should be convicted and disqualified for public office.

Bookmark this page for the livestream of the hearing on Wednesday at 10 am. – Rappler.com