Allegations of bribery and coercion surrounding the House Committee on Justice’s decision to recommend the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte have been firmly rejected by several lawmakers, who insist the panel’s unanimous vote was based solely on evidence presented during weeks of hearings.
House Deputy Speaker and Iloilo First District Rep. Janette Garin dismissed claims that members of the committee received so-called “appearance fees” or were pressured into supporting the finding of probable cause. She said the 53–0 vote reflected the strength of the documentary evidence and testimonies laid before the panel.
According to Garin, the vice president’s absence from the hearings left key allegations unanswered, contributing to the panel’s consensus. She also described the bribery narrative as an attempt to divert attention from the substance of the case.
Echoing the same stance, House Deputy Speaker and La Union First District Rep. Paolo Ortega V challenged critics to substantiate their claims, warning that unverified accusations undermine both the institution and the integrity of its members.
He stressed that the proceedings were conducted transparently, with lawmakers from different political affiliations independently evaluating official records, sworn testimonies, and financial documents. Ortega maintained that the vote was driven by what he described as “overwhelming” evidence, not by political inducement.
Both lawmakers emphasized that impeachment proceedings are a constitutional process, with the House tasked to determine probable cause and the Senate serving as the trial body. They noted that the committee’s finding does not equate to a determination of guilt, but rather signals that sufficient grounds exist to elevate the matter for further proceedings.
The House Committee on Justice reached its decision after examining allegations that include misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, and threats against top government officials.
Lawmakers urged critics and the vice president’s camp to address the accusations through proper legal channels, stressing that the impeachment process provides the appropriate forum to present evidence and mount a defense.
They also called on the public to focus on the documented findings rather than speculation, saying accountability must be grounded in facts and the rule of law.