Manila: The House Committee on Justice has determined probable cause to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte. With a unanimous 53 votes, the committee approved the impeachment complaints filed by Rev. Father Joel Saballa and others, and lawyer Nathaniel Cabrera. These complaints were respectively endorsed by Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima and Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., along with Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union.

According to Philippines News Agency, the decision followed a motion by Pinoy Workers Party-list Rep. Franz Legazpi for a determination of probable cause on each of the complaints. The committee, led by Chair Atty. Gerville 'Jinky Bitrics' Luistro of Batangas, will now consolidate the complaints into a unified report, which will be presented to the House plenary. A one-third vote from all House members is required to proceed with the impeachment and send the case to the Senate for trial.

During the proceedings, Rep. De Lima, who endorsed the Saballa complaint, highlighted alleged misuse of PHP612.5 million in confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education. She referenced testimonies, including that of Ramil Madriaga, and reports from the National Bureau of Investigation, Commission on Audit, and the Philippine Statistics Authority to support her claims.

De Lima also pointed out discrepancies in Duterte's Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth, which failed to declare cash on hand and bank deposits over six years. Additionally, she cited the Anti-Money Laundering Council's report of suspicious transactions totaling PHP6.77 billion involving Duterte and her husband's accounts.

The committee also addressed allegations of grave threats and destabilization, with De Lima asserting that Duterte issued death threats against key political figures, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

Rep. Abante presented further findings, including Madriaga's testimony regarding large cash deliveries and Duterte's alleged connections to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators and illegal drug trade. Reports indicated payouts linked to personalities involved in these activities, adding weight to the allegations.

Concluding the session, Abante emphasized the gravity of the situation, citing betrayal of public trust and constitutional violations as justification for the impeachment. He called for the case to be brought to the Senate, stating that the evidence warrants further action.

The committee's report and Articles of Impeachment will now be prepared for submission to the House plenary, marking a significant step in the impeachment process.