MANILA, Philippines — As the country enters a critical week for the nation’s leadership, House Committee on Justice Chairperson Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro warned on Saturday, May 9, 2026, that Vice President Sara Duterte’s potential absence from an impeachment trial could be the deciding factor in her conviction.
During the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, Luistro emphasized that while the prosecution bears the burden of proof, the Vice President’s failure to present counter-evidence would leave the “overwhelming” allegations unrebutted.
Luistro clarified the procedural risk the Vice President faces if the House transmits the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate:
- Last Opportunity: Luistro described the Senate trial as Duterte’s “last opportunity” to present her side. “If she will be missing this opportunity, then we have reason to believe that this might result in conviction,” the Batangas representative projected.
- Silence as Risk: She noted that if the defense does not present evidence, senator-judges might find the complainants’ evidence sufficient to support a guilty verdict.
- Public Accountability: Luistro suggested that even political allies in the Senate might find it difficult to vote for acquittal if the evidence is “so overwhelming” that the general public demands a conviction.
The House of Representatives is scheduled to deliberate and vote on the Articles of Impeachment on Monday, May 11, 2026.
- Threshold: At least 106 votes (one-third of the lower chamber) are required to impeach the Vice President and send the case to the Senate for trial.
- The Charges: The impeachment report includes findings on the alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and reported threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other top officials.
Luistro also addressed recent statements from Senator Robin Padilla, who suggested the Senate minority bloc might oppose convening as an impeachment court.
- No Legal Basis: Luistro argued that being in the political opposition is not a valid constitutional reason to block a trial.
- No Supreme Court Intervention: She pointed out that even the Supreme Court has not issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) to stop the proceedings, despite several petitions filed by Duterte’s camp.
- Denial of Bribery: Luistro flatly denied allegations from Senator Imee Marcos that lawmakers were offered “incentive packages”—including ₱5 million in cash and ₱150 million in projects—to secure “yes” votes. “Wala po tayong na-encounter na ganyan,” Luistro asserted.
The Vice President’s legal team, led by Michael Poa, has previously hinted that they might advise her to skip House-level “mini-trials” but have indicated she is readying herself for the Senate stage. This comes as the Duterte family faces simultaneous legal pressure; on the same day, NBI reports confirmed that Franco Mabanta and four others failed to post bail in a related ₱300-million extortion case involving the Vice President’s name.