DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/26 March)– The Committee on Justice of the House of Representatives is urging Vice President Sara Duterte to attend the next scheduled impeachment proceedings to address the allegations against her. Duterte skipped the initial hearing on Wednesday, 25 March, and issued a statement calling the proceedings a ‘fishing expedition,’ asserting there is no rule requiring her to attend. Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville R. Luistro, who chairs the Committee on Justice, emphasized that Duterte is welcome to attend the hearings on April 14, 22, and 29, stating that the public eagerly awaits her responses to allegations of misuse of confidential funds, threats, and unexplained wealth. Duterte claimed the hearings aim to create a media narrative of a ‘mini-trial’ and prefers to focus on helping those in need. The Committee convened on March 24 to hear impeachment complaints filed by Reverend Father Saballa et al. and Atty. Nathaniel G. Cabrera, which were deemed sufficient in form, substance, and grounds. Subpoenas were issued to agencies and individuals, including the National Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and the Securities and Exchange Commission, to gather evidence. Luistro clarified that the hearings aim to determine probable cause, not guilt or innocence. Under Article XI, Section 3(3) of the Constitution, a one-third House vote is required to affirm impeachment articles. If filed, the Senate will convene as an impeachment court to try Duterte. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)
