Manila: All 318 members of the House of Representatives are set to receive ample time to review the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte before the anticipated plenary vote on May 11, as confirmed by Justice Committee Chairperson Gerville Luistro of Batangas on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Luistro emphasized the importance of due process and compliance with the Supreme Court's ruling on the previous impeachment attempt. She explained that House members must receive copies of the committee report, resolution, and articles of impeachment, along with any attached evidence, prior to the vote. "They should be given a reasonable time to read and study the same before the plenary vote. That's part of due process," Luistro stated.
The Justice Committee unanimously approved the committee report, which includes consolidated articles of impeachment, with a 55-0 vote. This decision followed the identification of probable cause in two complaints on April 29. The report has been forwarded to the Bills and Index and is expected to be on the Committee on Rules' agenda.
Luistro further clarified that once the Committee on Rules forwards the articles of impeachment to the plenary, copies will be distributed to all House members, the Vice President, and the complainants. Members will then have five days to review the documents, setting the stage for the May 11 vote.
Senior Deputy Majority Leader Lorenz Defensor of Iloilo, also a member of the Justice panel, noted that the impeachment process is intentionally thorough. He highlighted the necessity for the House to have all relevant information, including evidence, findings from hearings, and responses from the respondent, before the plenary vote.
Defensor pointed out that the Vice President has another chance to respond, which could lead to the dismissal of her case if she presents adequate evidence. However, he noted that Duterte had previously declined opportunities to defend herself during committee hearings.
With 55 votes already secured from Justice Committee members, only 51 additional votes are needed to meet the one-third threshold for impeachment. Defensor expressed confidence in reaching this number, citing the clarity of the evidence and Duterte's repeated refusal to defend herself as factors strengthening the case.
