The House Committee on Justice has officially pivoted the scope of the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, moving beyond financial scrutiny to examine her fundamental fitness for office.
During the third and final classificatory hearing on Wednesday, Committee Chairperson and Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro emphasized that the inquiry now centers on the Vice President’s character following grave allegations of threats against the nation’s top leaders.
Luistro noted that while previous discussions focused on “numbers” and “transactions,” the current stage of the investigation delves into the “intentions” and “personality” of the country’s second-highest official.
The hearing specifically addressed Duterte’s televised remarks regarding the life of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
“Kung ang nakaraan ay tungkol sa numero, ang pagdinig ngayon ay tungkol sa pagkatao. Hindi lamang kung saan napunta ang pera, kundi kung sino ang may hawak nito. Hindi lamang transaksyon, kundi intensyon,” Luistro stated.
The lawmaker issued a stern warning to the public, noting that the evidence presented—including videos and recorded statements—contains disturbing content involving themes of violence and intimidation.
“At bago tayo magpatuloy, makikiusap po muna tayo. Pasintabi sa lahat ng makakarinig. Ang susunod nating tatalakayin ay hindi madali. Mabigat ito. At maaaring hindi angkop lalo na sa mga batang nakikinig dahil may mga paratang ng karahasan,” she added.
To bolster the investigation, the House panel issued a subpoena to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), requesting all evidence gathered regarding the alleged death threats.
Luistro questioned whether the rhetoric displayed by the Vice President aligns with the dignity of her office, specifically citing reports of her speaking about “beheading” the President.
“Siya ba talaga ito, ang Bise Presidente, ang ikalawang pinakamataas na opisyal ng Republika ng Pilipinas, na malinaw na nagbanta sa buhay ng Presidente? Na nag-utos na patayin ang Presidente? Siya ba itong uhaw sa karahasan, na nakuha pang magsalita tungkol sa pagpugot ng ulo ng Presidente?”
As the committee concludes its classificatory phase, the findings are expected to determine the sufficiency of the grounds for impeachment based on both financial accountability and the alleged threat to national stability.