Manila: The House Committee on Justice on Monday formally initiated its deliberations on four impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte. Panel chair Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro emphasized the importance of adhering to the constitutional process, regardless of political noise or public fatigue.
According to Philippines News Agency, Luistro addressed concerns about impeachment fatigue in her opening statement, underscoring that the Constitution, rule of law, and accountability remain steadfast. She affirmed the committee's commitment to its constitutional duty following the referral of the four complaints to the panel last week.
Under constitutional provisions, the justice committee holds the exclusive mandate to hear impeachment complaints and, by majority vote, submit a report to the plenary. Luistro dismissed circulating claims on social media that the complaints recycle previously dismissed allegations by the Supreme Court, clarifying that the court's ruling was limited to the constitutional one-year bar rule and did not address the merits of the allegations.
Luistro reiterated that the Supreme Court did not evaluate the allegations' merits, hold a trial, or absolve anyone of wrongdoing. She stressed that the court's emphasis was on the constitutional process, rather than the merits, and that suggesting otherwise is legally incorrect.
The committee is set to first assess the sufficiency in form of each complaint, ensuring that at this preliminary stage, members are not weighing evidence or determining guilt. If deemed sufficient in form, subsequent hearings will evaluate sufficiency in substance, based on whether the allegations, if credible, constitute impeachable offenses.
Luistro emphasized that impeachment proceedings must be based on serious, specific, and constitutionally anchored allegations, rather than rumors. She assured fair and transparent proceedings for the complainants, the Vice President, and the general public, asserting that no one is above the Constitution.
Luistro concluded by affirming the committee's dedication to proceeding with fidelity to the Constitution and the sovereign Filipino people, ensuring that justice is served and leaders are held accountable.
