The House of Representatives has referred four impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte to the Committee on Justice, with lawmakers pointing to the sworn testimony of alleged bagman Ramil Madriaga as the “smoking gun” in the cases.
Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima said the panel, chaired by Rep. Jernie Luistro, may begin deliberations as early as next week, starting with a determination of sufficiency in form and substance.
Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega welcomed the referral, saying it avoids the “fast track” route previously struck down by the Supreme Court.
Ortega, who endorsed the fourth complaint, supported calls for the panel to subpoena Duterte’s and her family’s bank records, citing Madriaga’s testimony as critical evidence.
“May smoking gun… sobrang importante po ‘yun na mausisa,” Ortega said.
Ortega expressed confidence that at least a third of House members will support elevating the case to the Senate.
Supporters of the complaints dismissed Duterte’s 2028 presidential bid announcement as irrelevant, insisting she must first answer allegations of fund misuse.
“She wants to be President, so kung mataas ang tatakbuhin mong position, you are held to a higher standard,” Ortega said. (ZIA LUNA)
