The House Committee on Justice has assured the public of fairness and transparency as it begins deliberations next week on impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte, Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon said.
Speaking at a media forum in Quezon City on Saturday, Ridon stated, “Ang commitment po ng committee on justice ay ipapatupad po ‘yung mga relevant rules sa impeachment na ipinatupad po natin in previous impeachment proceedings katulad ng impeachment proceeding ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos Jr.”
He added, “Commitment din po ng komite na magiging fair ‘yung pong pagpapatupad ng amin pong mandate sa bagay po na ito.”
The panel is set to convene on March 2 to determine whether the complaints are sufficient in form and substance—the first step in the constitutional impeachment process.
Ridon encouraged public attention: “Inaanyayahan po natin ang ating mga kababayan na tunghayan ‘yung pong determination in sufficiency in form and substance proceedings ng House committee on justice.”
A key element in the complaints is the affidavit of Ramil Madriaga, who claims to have been a former “bagman” of the Vice President.
Madriaga alleges that Duterte’s 2022 vice presidential campaign was funded by drug lords and illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
Other accusations include misuse of confidential funds, threats against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, as well as alleged misrepresentation of assets in Duterte’s official declarations.
The committee’s initial vote will decide whether the complaints move forward to plenary consideration, a step that could intensify the nation’s already tense political climate.