Vice President Sara Duterte Condemns House Justice Committee's Impeachment Proceedings
Vice President Sara Duterte has launched a sharp critique against the House Committee on Justice, which recently ruled that impeachment complaints filed against her possess sufficient substance. The controversy stems from a letter issued by Akbayan party list Representative Chel Diokno, who formally requested additional documents and records pertaining to the case.
Duterte Questions Evidence and Committee Procedures
In an official statement released on Friday, March 13, 2026, Duterte argued that Diokno's request for further documentation only strengthens her assertion that the allegations lack credible evidence. "The finding of sufficiency in substance by the Committee on Justice presupposes that the allegations in the complaints are supported by evidence," she declared.
Duterte elaborated that the committee should not engage in investigative activities to uncover evidence for accusations already outlined in the impeachment complaints. "The committee cannot conduct an investigation to search for evidence to support accusations already made in the impeachment complaints. Doing so would amount to a third fishing expedition by the House of Representatives," she added, referencing what she described as two prior attempts to gather evidence against her.
Controversy Surrounding Ramil Madriaga's Testimony
The Vice President also expressed strong objections to Diokno's proposal for the panel to assume custody of Ramil Madriaga, a detainee who has alleged that Duterte's 2022 campaign was financed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and drug-linked financiers. Madriaga, who has been detained since 2023 on a pending kidnapping case, submitted a notarized affidavit in December 2025 detailing his claims and describing his involvement with various government units and the group Inday Sara Duterte Is My President (Isip) Pilipinas.
Following his testimonies, rumors circulated about a P5 million bounty placed on his head. Duterte condemned the request for special treatment for Madriaga, stating, "Even more disturbing is the treatment now being extended to Madriaga, an alleged kidnapper who fabricated an entire story. The request that he be given special treatment in the House of Representatives is a grave insult to the minor victim who was traumatized by his criminal acts."
Duterte's legal counsel, Salvador Panelo Jr., has firmly denied any connection between the Vice President and the alleged threats against Madriaga.
Political Motivations and Broader Implications
Duterte reiterated her position that the impeachment push is driven by political motives, aimed at shielding specific individuals and advancing personal and foreign interests. Though she did not name them directly, she alluded to an official reportedly struggling with substance abuse, a congressman implicated in flood control fund controversies, and a legislator openly preparing for a presidential campaign.
She further criticized the House for focusing on political disputes while global challenges, such as rising pressures in energy and commodities markets, continue to impact Filipinos. Duterte emphasized that this situation diverts attention from critical issues affecting overseas Filipino workers, low-income families, and communities vulnerable to the consequences of global conflicts.
"This is another insult. This time, it is directed at our OFWs, the poor, and the many Filipino families who may soon be pushed deeper into hardship as a result of war and its global consequences," Duterte concluded, underscoring the broader societal implications of the ongoing impeachment proceedings.
