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April Countdown As House Panel Nears Decision On VP Sara Impeachment Case
Screengrab from Congress PH
The clock is ticking at the House of Representatives as lawmakers move closer to wrapping up impeachment hearings against Sara Duterte—with April 29 now eyed as the big finish line.
The House Committee on Justice is currently in the final stretch of its proceedings, aiming to determine whether there’s probable cause behind a series of serious allegations. These include alleged threats against top government officials, questions over the use of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, and inconsistencies in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).
If things go as planned, a committee report could be sent to the plenary by early May—right when Congress resumes session on May 4. That would mark a crucial step forward in the constitutional process, potentially paving the way for a full-blown Senate trial.
According to Zia Alonto Adiong, a member of the justice panel, the committee is nearly done gathering evidence. Key hearings are still set for April 22 and 29, but the end is already in sight.
“Hopefully, by the 29th, we will wrap up,” Adiong shared during a radio interview, signaling confidence that the panel can meet its timeline.
Once the report is approved at the committee level, it won’t be an instant decision. Lawmakers in the plenary will still go through debates and scrutiny. Members of Congress will also get the chance to question the report’s sponsor, Gerville Luistro, who chairs the committee.
In short, expect discussions, not a rubber stamp.
Adiong emphasized that the House’s role at this stage is limited but critical—it’s not about deciding guilt. Instead, the panel is focused on whether the evidence is strong enough to justify elevating the case to the Senate for trial.
The complaints themselves are weighty. They accuse Duterte of betrayal of public trust and possible violations of the Constitution. Among the issues raised are alleged irregularities in how confidential and intelligence funds were handled during her time at the Office of the Vice President and while she served as Education Secretary.
There are also claims of discrepancies in her asset declarations, as well as allegations that she made threats against key figures, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and then-Speaker of the House Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
For now, all eyes are on April 29. Whether it leads to closure—or sparks the next phase of a historic political showdown—remains to be seen.
The House Committee on Justice is currently in the final stretch of its proceedings, aiming to determine whether there’s probable cause behind a series of serious allegations. These include alleged threats against top government officials, questions over the use of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, and inconsistencies in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).
If things go as planned, a committee report could be sent to the plenary by early May—right when Congress resumes session on May 4. That would mark a crucial step forward in the constitutional process, potentially paving the way for a full-blown Senate trial.
According to Zia Alonto Adiong, a member of the justice panel, the committee is nearly done gathering evidence. Key hearings are still set for April 22 and 29, but the end is already in sight.
“Hopefully, by the 29th, we will wrap up,” Adiong shared during a radio interview, signaling confidence that the panel can meet its timeline.
Once the report is approved at the committee level, it won’t be an instant decision. Lawmakers in the plenary will still go through debates and scrutiny. Members of Congress will also get the chance to question the report’s sponsor, Gerville Luistro, who chairs the committee.
In short, expect discussions, not a rubber stamp.
Adiong emphasized that the House’s role at this stage is limited but critical—it’s not about deciding guilt. Instead, the panel is focused on whether the evidence is strong enough to justify elevating the case to the Senate for trial.
The complaints themselves are weighty. They accuse Duterte of betrayal of public trust and possible violations of the Constitution. Among the issues raised are alleged irregularities in how confidential and intelligence funds were handled during her time at the Office of the Vice President and while she served as Education Secretary.
There are also claims of discrepancies in her asset declarations, as well as allegations that she made threats against key figures, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and then-Speaker of the House Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
For now, all eyes are on April 29. Whether it leads to closure—or sparks the next phase of a historic political showdown—remains to be seen.
Apr 19, 2026
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