Luistro: No-show in impeach hearings risks VP’s defense
The chairman of the House justice committee, Luistro, cautioned Vice President Sara Duterte against skipping the impeachment hearings, warning that her absence could jeopardize her defense. The committee is set to open its proper hearing to evaluate the evidence against her in the two filed complaints.
House Justice Committee chairman Rep. Gerville Luistro has warned that Vice President Sara Duterte's absence from impeachment hearings could accelerate the process and jeopardize her defense. The committee unanimously found two impeachment complaints sufficient in substance on March 18, 2026, alleging bribery, malversation of confidential funds, threats, and other high crimes. The hearings are scheduled to begin on March 25, 2026, with additional dates set for April 14, April 22, and April 29, 2026.
Vice President Duterte's spokesperson, Atty. Michael Poa, confirmed on March 24, 2026, that she will skip the first hearing on March 25 due to constitutional issues raised in a letter to the committee. However, she may attend future hearings. Luistro emphasized that Duterte's camp must participate in these 'mini-trial' proceedings to present defenses against the allegations, as their prior ad cautelam submission failed to adequately address the claims.
The impeachment complaints represent the 2026 efforts to impeach Sara Duterte, following a failed 2025 impeachment that was remanded by the Senate and ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The current complaints allege misuse of funds, undeclared assets, abuse of power, and threats including against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Luistro warned that if Duterte continues to skip hearings, the allegations would remain unchallenged, increasing the likelihood of probable cause findings and eventual transmission of the complaints to the Senate for trial. The hearings are proceeding during congressional recess under the committee's authority, with Luistro stressing that participation is crucial for mounting an effective defense against the serious allegations.
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