Quezon city: The House of Representatives Committee on Justice is committed to ensuring fairness in the implementation of rules during the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, as stated by Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon. The proceedings, scheduled to commence on March 2, will assess the merit of the complaints filed against Duterte.

According to Philippines News Agency, the House will evaluate four impeachment complaints to determine their sufficiency in substance. Ridon emphasized the committee's dedication to implementing all relevant rules on impeachment, similar to the procedures followed in previous cases, such as the impeachment proceedings of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. He assured that the committee is committed to fair implementation of its mandate in this matter.

The complaints were filed by the Makabayan Coalition, consisting of the Kabataan, Gabriela, and ACT Teachers party-list groups, along with lawyer Nathaniel Cabrera and various civil society organizations. The Makabayan bloc's complaint accuses Duterte of betrayal of public trust due to alleged misuse of public funds, while another complaint alleges culpable violations of the constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, and other high crimes.

Ridon mentioned that it is the prerogative of Vice President Duterte's camp to decide whether she will attend the proceedings. He stated that the Vice President has the right to choose whether to appear in the proceedings, and it is up to her defense team to decide if her attendance would be beneficial to their case.