Photo courtesy of Inday Sara Duterte/Facebook.
The House of Representatives will begin deliberations on May 4 on the committee report recommending the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro said on Sunday.
Luistro, who chairs the House Committee on Justice, said the panel was set to formally adopt its report before elevating the matter to the plenary for sponsorship, debate, and voting.
Last week, the justice committee found probable cause to proceed with the impeachment complaints against Duterte after weeks of hearings centered on allegations of corruption and possible constitutional violations.
A total of 53 lawmakers voted in favor of the committee findings, concluding that documents, financial records, and witness testimonies presented since April provided sufficient basis to move the case forward.
Among the evidence examined by the panel were reports from the Commission on Audit, bank transaction records, and sworn statements from witnesses, including one individual who claimed to have delivered bags of cash on behalf of the vice president.
Luistro said the committee had completed its constitutional duty after reviewing official records and testimonies submitted during the inquiry.
She stressed that the panel’s recommendation was anchored on evidence and accountability, adding that the process was not driven by politics but by the House’s constitutional mandate.
At least 106 votes are needed in plenary to transmit the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate, which will convene as an impeachment court if the required support is secured.