Manila: The House Committee on Justice on Wednesday determined sufficient grounds to proceed with hearings on the two remaining impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, setting the stage for comprehensive proceedings starting March 25.

According to Philippines News Agency, the panel, led by Batangas Representative Gerville 'Jinky Bitrics' Luistro, unanimously approved motions to conduct hearings on the third and fourth impeachment complaints against the Vice President. House Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 3rd District Representative Lorenz Defensor moved for the third complaint, while Deputy Speaker and Iloilo 1st District Representative Janette Garin supported the fourth.

With the approval, Luistro officially concluded the determination stage, paving the way for the hearing phase. "We declare the conclusion of the determination of sufficiency in grounds. Now, we proceed to Step 4 - that is the hearing proper," Luistro announced.

The third impeachment complaint, endorsed by ML Party-list Representative Leila de Lima, accuses the Vice President of misusing confidential and intelligence funds, constitutional violations, and betrayal of public trust. The fourth complaint, filed by lawyer Nathaniel Cabrera and backed by Manila 6th District Representative Bienvenido 'Benny' Abante Jr. and Deputy Speaker Francisco Paolo Ortega V, alleges unexplained wealth, breaches of SALN requirements, bribery, and threats against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and other officials.

The committee has scheduled the initial hearings for March 25, April 14, April 22, and April 29, 2026. Luistro emphasized that evidence and witnesses presented during these sessions will be crucial in determining probable cause in the proceedings' next stage.

The House plenary has authorized the committee to continue impeachment proceedings during the congressional recess from March 21 to May 3, 2026. Additionally, Luistro noted motions from Akbayan Representative Chel Diokno, including a request for a subpoena duces tecum and a petition for witness protection, will be addressed in the upcoming hearings.

Prior to the committee vote, Defensor stressed the importance of a swift process, arguing that if Vice President Duterte is innocent, the complaint should be promptly dismissed. "The impeachment process should be speedy... if the respondent is guilty, the complaint should go to trial for the Senate to decide," he remarked.

Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V expressed strong support for the scheduled hearings, urging the committee to proceed without delay. "The Committee has spoken, the dates are set, and the Filipino people expect action-not more procedural excuses," Ortega stated.

Ortega commended Luistro and the committee for their prompt action towards evidentiary hearings and urged all parties to respect the process as the nation anticipates the proceedings starting March 25.