MANILA, Philippines — The House Committee on Justice is aiming to wrap up its high-stakes impeachment hearings against Vice President Sara Duterte by April 29, 2026. This deadline marks the conclusion of the evidence-gathering phase, as lawmakers move toward a final determination of probable cause regarding the multiple complaints filed against the country’s second-highest official.
Representative Zia Alonto Adiong, a member of the justice panel, confirmed the timeline, noting that the remaining hearings on April 22 and 29 will feature testimony from key agencies and resource persons.
The conclusion of the committee hearings is only the beginning of a larger constitutional process. Here is the projected timeline for the coming weeks:
- April 29: Targeted wrap-up of committee hearings and evidence gathering.
- May 4: Congress resumes session. The committee report—which will include findings on the third and fourth impeachment complaints—is expected to be transmitted to the plenary.
- Plenary Review: Once the report reaches the plenary, lawmakers will review the findings. Committee Chairperson Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro will serve as the sponsor, defending the report during floor debates.
- The Vote: If the House approves the committee report by at least a one-third vote of all members, the Articles of Impeachment will be transmitted to the Senate for trial.
The impeachment complaints against Vice President Duterte are rooted in several severe allegations:
- Betrayal of Public Trust: Alleged irregularities in the handling of Confidential and Intelligence Funds (CIF) under both the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) during her tenure as Secretary.
- Asset Inconsistencies: Discrepancies found in her Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).
- Threats Against Officials: Online statements directed at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and then-Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Lawmakers have repeatedly stressed that the current proceedings are focused solely on probable cause—determining if there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial. The actual determination of guilt or innocence rests with the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court.
“It won’t be approved right away because there will still be further debates,” Rep. Adiong cautioned, highlighting the deliberative nature of the process. While the Vice President’s counsel has stated she is ready to answer the charges in the “proper forum,” the next two weeks will decide whether that forum will indeed be the Senate floor.