The House justice committee on Wednesday ruled that the two impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte are sufficient in grounds. Lawmakers noted that Duterte’s Answer Ad Cautelam failed to directly address the allegations raised against her.
The complaints accuse the Vice President of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and other charges, citing the alleged misuse of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds and threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
House Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima, one of the endorsers of the complaint, stressed that Duterte did not respond to issues on fund liquidation, anomalous disbursements, and certifications she herself signed.
“The allegations are not trivial. They are serious. They are weighty. They demand an answer,” Committee chair Rep. Gerville Luistro said.
With the sufficiency in grounds affirmed, the panel will proceed to the impeachment hearing proper on March 25, where evidence and witnesses from both sides will be presented.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives adopted a resolution authorizing the continuation of hearings during recess, which runs from March 21 to May 3, 2026.# (ZIA LUNA)
