The House Committee on Justice has expressed unified support for four of its members named in a criminal complaint filed by Atty. Manases Carpio, husband of Vice President Sara Duterte. The panel described the move as an attempt to intimidate lawmakers involved in the impeachment-related inquiry.
During Wednesday’s session, Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua moved to adopt a collective manifestation of support for Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima, and Akbayan Reps. Perci Cendaña and Chel Diokno, all of whom were named in the complaint.
Chua cited constitutional parliamentary immunity as protection for lawmakers performing their official duties.
“I would like to make a manifestation of support to the four members of this committee… meron po tayong tinatawag na parliamentary immunity,” Chua said.
The motion was seconded by Deputy Speaker and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V and approved without objection, effectively turning it into the committee’s official position.
House Justice Committee chair Luistro of the House Committee on Justice confirmed the adoption of the motion and ordered it entered into the record.
“Let it be placed on the record that the manifestation of support is expressed by the entire Justice Committee,” she said.
The development came as the panel continued its proceedings amid legal tensions stemming from the ongoing impeachment-related inquiries involving Vice President Sara Duterte.
Cendaña, one of the named respondents, said the complaint was an attempt to pressure lawmakers after the committee’s scrutiny of financial records surfaced in earlier hearings.
“Nais po nilang i-intimidate ang Committee on Justice,” Cendaña said, adding that lawmakers should instead focus on accountability issues raised during the inquiry.
He also criticized the filing of the complaint as a diversion from the issues being examined by the panel.
Rep. Chel Diokno, another respondent, said the committee’s actions are protected by the Constitution and fall within its legislative mandate.
“Ang ginagawa po namin ay ang aming tungkulin sa ilalim ng Konstitusyon,” Diokno said, citing parliamentary immunity provisions.
Former senator Leila de Lima, also named in the complaint, said the legal actions filed against committee members are part of a pattern of attempts to derail the proceedings.
“Ito po ay panglilihis sa issue,” she said, stressing that lawmakers remain focused on their constitutional duty.
Kabataan Rep. Raoul Manuel Co also expressed support for the committee’s actions, saying the complaint appeared aimed at shifting attention away from ongoing hearings.
The House panel said it will continue its work despite what it described as external pressure, reaffirming its commitment to completing the impeachment inquiry within its mandate.