The House Committee on Justice has unanimously approved the committee report finding probable cause to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, formally advancing the case to the plenary after a 55-0 vote among members present.
The panel’s approval on Monday also included the Articles of Impeachment, following eight hearings that examined testimonial, documentary, and digital evidence from multiple witnesses and government agencies.
“Let it be placed on the record that 55 out of 55 Justice members physically present manifested their support,” Committee Chair Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro said, declaring the motion unanimously approved.
Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David Suarez moved for the adoption of the report and its accompanying resolution, which the committee accepted without objection.
The approved report consolidates findings from complaints filed by Francisca “France” Castro, Francis Joseph Aquino Dee, Joel Saballa, and Atty. Nathaniel Cabrera, later narrowed down after one complaint was withdrawn and another set aside due to procedural rules. The remaining complaints were found sufficient in form and substance before the panel proceeded to determine probable cause.
By March 18, the committee had “unanimously resolved both complaints in the affirmative, finding the existence of sufficient grounds for impeachment.”
The Articles of Impeachment allege culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes. Among the accusations are the alleged misuse of at least P500 million in confidential funds at the Office of the Vice President and P112.5 million at the Department of Education, unexplained wealth, and omissions in Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).
Lawmakers also cited reports from the Commission on Audit, the Anti-Money Laundering Council, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), along with witness testimonies and financial documents examined during the hearings. These included flagged receipts, questioned liquidation reports, certifications on questionable beneficiaries, and findings pointing to large-scale financial transactions under scrutiny.
The committee said it also relied on Duterte’s own sworn SALN filings, noting inconsistencies when compared with records presented during the inquiry. It further disclosed that a sealed BIR submission was not opened, as existing evidence was deemed sufficient at the committee level.
With the report now approved, the measure will be transmitted to the House plenary for debate and voting by all 318 members. If at least one-third of lawmakers vote in favor, the Articles of Impeachment will be sent to the Senate, which will convene as an impeachment court.