The House of Representatives committee on justice plans to conclude its impeachment hearings against Vice President Sara Duterte on April 29, according to a committee member.
Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said in a radio interview that the committee expects to finish its evidence-gathering phase during hearings scheduled on April 22 and April 29. He said the panel aims to wrap up proceedings on April 29.
Adiong said the committee will then prepare a report for transmission to the plenary when Congress resumes session on May 4. He said lawmakers will review the findings before any plenary vote takes place.
He said the committee report, along with the third and fourth impeachment complaints, will be submitted to the full House of Representatives for deliberation. He added that members will have the opportunity to debate the report and question the committee sponsor during plenary discussions.
Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, who chairs the House justice committee, serves as sponsor of the committee report in plenary deliberations.
Adiong said the process will not result in immediate approval, citing the need for further debate and questioning by House members.
He said the House determines only probable cause during impeachment proceedings, not guilt.
The impeachment complaints against Duterte include allegations of betrayal of public trust and possible constitutional violations. The complaints cite alleged irregularities in the use of confidential and intelligence funds in the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education when she served as education secretary.
The complaints also cite alleged inconsistencies in her statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth, and accusations that she made threats against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and then-House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
