House Justice Panel to Commence Impeachment Hearings Against VP Sara Duterte in Early March
The House Committee on Justice is scheduled to initiate hearings on four separate impeachment complaints targeting Vice President Sara Duterte from March 2 to 4, 2026, as officially confirmed by Batangas Representative Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro, who chairs the committee. This development marks a significant step in the ongoing political scrutiny surrounding the vice president.
Structured Process for Impeachment Proceedings
According to Luistro, the committee will first determine whether the complaints meet the required form and substance standards. Deliberations on form are set for the initial day, followed immediately by an evaluation of content on the subsequent day. If discussions remain incomplete, hearings may extend into additional days, potentially continuing even during congressional recess periods if deemed necessary.
Luistro emphasized the critical nature of the impeachment process, stating it should not be delayed. The committee postponed starting this week due to logistical requirements, including copying and distributing the complaints to all members for review.
Handling of Multiple Complaints
The four complaints will be addressed concurrently within a single impeachment proceeding, though they will not be physically consolidated initially. Consolidation will only occur if probable cause is established. Each complaint and its grounds will be discussed separately, but committee members will vote based on the entirety of each individual impeachment complaint.
Luistro outlined the subsequent steps: if complaints pass the form and substance review, the respondent will be granted 10 days to submit a response. Complainants then have three days for a reply, followed by another three days for the respondent's rejoinder. A proper hearing will ensue before the committee votes on probable cause.
Potential for Extended Proceedings
Given the volume of complaints and possible numerous grounds for discussion, Luistro noted that the process could be prolonged. The duration of hearings will largely depend on whether the complaints satisfy the established criteria, underscoring the meticulous approach required in such high-stakes political matters.
