The House Committee on Justice is expected to wrap up its hearings and vote by April 29 on whether the impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte have probable cause.
Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong, a member of the committee, confirmed that the panel is nearing the conclusion of its review of evidence and testimonies.
“Ang alam ko on the 29th, hopefully we will wrap up,” Adiong said in a radio interview on Sunday.
If the committee votes in favor of the complaints, the report will be elevated to the plenary for deliberation. Adiong emphasized that the process will not be immediate, as debates and questioning from other members are expected.
“So hindi siya agad-agad ma-aprubahan kasi magkakaroon pa ‘yan ng, of course magkakaroon pa talaga ng debate ‘yan, and there will also be time for other members to elicit answers from the chairperson, who would be the sponsor of this committee report,” Adiong explained.
The committee is chaired by Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro. To transmit the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate for trial, at least one-third of the House membership—or 106 out of 318 members—must sign in support.
Another hearing is scheduled on April 22 to examine evidence and allow the Vice President to submit her rebuttal. Congress will resume its regular session on May 4.