Manila: As the Committee on Justice prepares to deliberate on four verified impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, Speaker Faustino Dy III emphasized that the proceedings are a constitutional mandate of the House of Representatives, rather than a focus on individual personalities.

According to Philippines News Agency, Speaker Dy clarified in a statement that the impeachment process is a constitutional duty and not a political performance or a venue for trial by publicity. The constitution tasks the House of Representatives with determining if impeachment complaints are sufficient in form and substance, a responsibility that rests with the Committee on Justice led by Chairperson Gerville Luistro.

Dy stressed the importance of upholding the constitution over personalities, highlighting that the impeachment process is about institutions and not about taking sides. He stated that every elected official deserves fairness, due process, and careful examination of allegations.

He reassured that complainants invoking the constitutional mechanism have the right to have their filings addressed lawfully. Dy emphasized his role as Speaker is to ensure the House operates professionally and in accordance with the constitution, without pre-judging or influencing the committee's deliberations.

The complaints were filed by the Makabayan Coalition, lawyer Nathaniel Cabrera, and civil society groups. The Makabayan bloc's complaint cites betrayal of public trust over alleged misuse of public funds, while other complaints accuse Duterte of constitutional violations, graft and corruption, bribery, and other high crimes.