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Jose Rodel Clapano - The Philippine Star
April 12, 2026 | 12:00am
Vice President Sara Duterte conducts a press conference in Mandaluyong on February 18, 2026.
STAR / Miguel de Guzman
MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers emphasized yesterday that the impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives against Vice President Sara Duterte are strictly guided by constitutional process, with hearings focused on determining probable cause – not guilt.
Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong stressed that impeachment is not meant to punish but to establish the truth through due process.
“Impeachment is not a punishment. It is a fair process to know the truth,” Adiong said.
He explained that the House and the Senate have clearly defined roles under the Constitution, with the lower chamber determining whether there is sufficient basis to proceed, and the Senate acting as the trial court.
“In the House, the basis is being reviewed. In the Senate, it is where it will be judged,” he said.
Adiong emphasized that both sides must be given the opportunity to be heard and to present evidence.
“Meaning, both parties have the chance to be heard. We cannot judge immediately,” he added.
Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, chairperson of the House committee on justice, echoed this, saying the panel’s hearings are limited to clarificatory proceedings similar to a preliminary investigation.
She clarified that there will be no cross-examination at this stage, as such proceedings are reserved for the Senate if the case advances to trial.
“Again, what is happening in the justice committee is merely clarificatory hearings,” Luistro said.
She explained that lawmakers will examine documents and ask limited questions to determine the existence of probable cause.
She also stressed that the House would continue its scheduled hearings on April 14, 22 and 29 unless restrained by the Supreme Court.
“For as long as there is no temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court, the hearing of the justice committee continues,” Luistro said.
Evidences ready
As the hearings move forward, lawmakers are expected to focus on both testimonial and documentary evidence.
Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon said the committee is set to examine key financial records, including Duterte’s statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs), as well as tax and corporate documents.
He noted that the ombudsman’s office has signified its participation in the proceedings.
“I think the Office of the Ombudsman has confirmed… that he will deploy the officer with access to the SALNs,” Ridon said.
He added that the panel is placing significant weight on records from the ombudsman, Bureau of Internal Revenue and Securities and Exchange Commission.
“So, aside from Mr. (Ramil) Madriaga, one of the new and most compelling pieces of evidence is the documentary evidence from the ombudsman, BIR and SEC,” he said.
According to Ridon, these documents will be used to determine whether the Vice President’s declared wealth is consistent with available records.
“It can be revealed… if there is an unexplained or if the wealth of the Vice President is explainable,” he said.
The committee is also expected to revisit issues surrounding the alleged misuse of confidential funds, including findings from the Commission on Audit.
