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Advocates Philippines
Sara Duterte Impeach Hearing Enters Final Stretch
Photo courtesy from PNA
The House Committee on Justice is set to reconvene Wednesday, April 29, for what is expected to be its final hearing on the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, with focus shifting to her controversial “kill threat” remarks.
Lawmakers will determine whether there is probable cause to elevate the case to a Senate trial, particularly on the third and fourth complaints that were earlier deemed sufficient in form, substance, and grounds.
The upcoming hearing is seen as a critical turning point, zeroing in on Duterte’s 2024 public statement where she allegedly threatened to have Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and then Speaker of the House Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez killed if anything were to happen to her.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), led by Director Melvin Matibag, has been invited to present the results of its probe into the alleged threat, which stemmed from a November 2024 press conference where Duterte made the remarks on record.
Complainants argue that the statement—captured on video—serves as direct evidence, with some lawmakers describing it as having clear “resibo.”
Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. earlier warned that the remarks could qualify as a “high crime,” stressing that such statements against a sitting president are “not a joke and not something that can be taken lightly.”
Meanwhile, La Union Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega V said the issue goes beyond political conflict and raises concerns about fitness for public office.
Committee chair Gerville Luistro emphasized that the panel’s role is similar to a preliminary investigation—focused solely on whether enough evidence exists to proceed.
“This is not about conclusions. This is about whether there is enough evidence to proceed,” she said in earlier hearings.
Duterte has since downplayed her statement, saying it was conditional and tied to her own safety. However, lawmakers insist that the full context of her remarks must be carefully evaluated.
Beyond the alleged threat, the complaints also accuse Duterte of misusing P612.5 million in confidential funds and accumulating unexplained wealth—allegations cited as possible grounds for culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, and graft and corruption.
The panel is also expected to decide whether to open a sealed box from the Bureau of Internal Revenue containing the income tax returns of Duterte and her husband, Manases Carpio. The BIR ранее noted that tax disclosures to Congress are only allowed in aid of legislation and must be examined in an executive session.
With key testimony and evidence lined up, Wednesday’s hearing could determine whether the impeachment case moves forward to the Senate for trial.
Lawmakers will determine whether there is probable cause to elevate the case to a Senate trial, particularly on the third and fourth complaints that were earlier deemed sufficient in form, substance, and grounds.
The upcoming hearing is seen as a critical turning point, zeroing in on Duterte’s 2024 public statement where she allegedly threatened to have Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and then Speaker of the House Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez killed if anything were to happen to her.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), led by Director Melvin Matibag, has been invited to present the results of its probe into the alleged threat, which stemmed from a November 2024 press conference where Duterte made the remarks on record.
Complainants argue that the statement—captured on video—serves as direct evidence, with some lawmakers describing it as having clear “resibo.”
Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. earlier warned that the remarks could qualify as a “high crime,” stressing that such statements against a sitting president are “not a joke and not something that can be taken lightly.”
Meanwhile, La Union Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega V said the issue goes beyond political conflict and raises concerns about fitness for public office.
Committee chair Gerville Luistro emphasized that the panel’s role is similar to a preliminary investigation—focused solely on whether enough evidence exists to proceed.
“This is not about conclusions. This is about whether there is enough evidence to proceed,” she said in earlier hearings.
Duterte has since downplayed her statement, saying it was conditional and tied to her own safety. However, lawmakers insist that the full context of her remarks must be carefully evaluated.
Beyond the alleged threat, the complaints also accuse Duterte of misusing P612.5 million in confidential funds and accumulating unexplained wealth—allegations cited as possible grounds for culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, and graft and corruption.
The panel is also expected to decide whether to open a sealed box from the Bureau of Internal Revenue containing the income tax returns of Duterte and her husband, Manases Carpio. The BIR ранее noted that tax disclosures to Congress are only allowed in aid of legislation and must be examined in an executive session.
With key testimony and evidence lined up, Wednesday’s hearing could determine whether the impeachment case moves forward to the Senate for trial.
Apr 28, 2026
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