MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives committee on justice has officially issued subpoenas to two key figures as the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte enter a critical phase.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag and lawyer Michael Poa have been directed to appear before the committee on April 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM. They join a growing list of high-ranking officials summoned to testify regarding the Vice President’s alleged threats and the management of government funds.
NBI Director Matibag has been ordered to provide the panel with comprehensive records concerning the bureau’s investigation into threats made by the Vice President in November 2024.
- The Allegations: During an online briefing, Duterte allegedly stated she had contacted an assassin to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and then-Speaker Martin Romualdez if she herself were to be killed.
- The Context: These remarks occurred while Duterte was at the Batasang Pambansa following the detention of her chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez.
Michael Poa, the Vice President’s former chief of staff at the Department of Education (DepEd), has been summoned to testify on the use and liquidation of the department’s confidential funds (CF) between 2022 and 2023.
- Cash Envelopes: Poa previously testified that he had received envelopes containing cash from Duterte, which she claimed were to reimburse him for assisting individuals seeking help from DepEd.
- Direct Control: Lawmakers are investigating claims that the Vice President maintained direct control over these funds, including allegations that CF money was used for programs already funded by other government agencies.
The committee on justice is currently moving through the “sufficiency of grounds” phase for the third and fourth impeachment complaints filed against Duterte.
- March 4: Complaints declared sufficient in substance.
- March 16: Duterte filed a consolidated verified answer, which complainants later termed a “non-answer.”
- April 14: Scheduled hearing for key witnesses, including Matibag, Poa, and potentially Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, who has been asked to authenticate Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).
Despite the ongoing proceedings, Vice President Duterte has remained defiant, recently asserting in her Day of Valor message that the Philippine justice system should remain free from foreign interference—a nod to the separate, ongoing International Criminal Court investigation into her father’s administration.