The House of Representatives' Committee on Justice has once again allocated a designated seat for Vice President Sara Duterte during its second hearing, which focused on the two remaining impeachment complaints filed against the vice president. This development underscores the ongoing political tensions surrounding the proceedings.
Seat Reserved Amidst Absence
In coverage provided by Bombo Rado Philippines, the news team observed that a specific chair was set aside for Vice President Duterte on April 14, 2026. Had she attended the session, the vice president would have been seated between two of her prominent critics: ML Party-list Representative Leila de Lima and Manila 6th District Representative Benny Abante. Both lawmakers have endorsed separate impeachment complaints targeting VP Sara, highlighting the contentious nature of the allegations.
Continuation from Previous Hearing
This action mirrors the committee's approach during the initial hearing held on March 25, 2026, where a seat was also reserved for the vice president despite her non-attendance. In that earlier session, the committee approved a subpoena duces tecum targeting various documents and individuals, including Ramil Madriaga, who has identified himself as a former "bagman" for VP Sara, among others.
The consistent reservation of a seat emphasizes the formal recognition of the vice president's role in the impeachment process, even as she remains absent from the hearings. This procedural detail adds to the broader narrative of political scrutiny and legal challenges facing the vice president, with the committee continuing to advance its investigations into the complaints.
