The House Committee on Justice has refused to rush or shortcut impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, maintaining that it followed constitutional processes as it prepares to elevate the case to the plenary.
Committee chair Gerville Luistro said the panel handled the proceedings with care despite mounting pressure, including public statements, petitions before the Supreme Court, and a complaint filed with a city prosecutor.
“Sinunod natin ang Konstitusyon. Hindi tayo nagmadali; hindi tayo nag-shortcut,” Luistro said, stressing the integrity of the process.
The committee began hearings on March 2, first determining sufficiency in form and substance, before finding sufficient grounds for impeachment on March 18. This was followed by preliminary proceedings and subpoenas, and evidentiary hearings held on April 14, 22, and 29.
Luistro described the process as demanding but said the panel remained focused despite external pressure and criticism.
“Hindi tayo naligaw. Nanatili tayong may direksyon,” she said.
She noted that attempts to influence or delay the proceedings, including press briefings by Duterte’s camp and court filings, did not deter the committee from carrying out its mandate.
Luistro emphasized that the committee’s role is grounded in the Constitution and requires fairness to all parties, including the complainants, the Vice President, and the public.
“We were given that name for a reason. Today, we hope we have lived up to that name,” she said.
The May 4 hearing marks the final step in the committee phase, where members are expected to approve the committee report and articles of impeachment before transmitting them to the House plenary.
“Our task is to approve these documents and transmit everything to the Plenary,” Luistro said.
She urged the panel to complete the process, stressing that public office cannot be shielded from serious allegations through delay or silence.
“If the Vice President is guilty, let the truth convict her. If she is innocent, let the process clear her,” she added.