The House Committee on Justice is bracing for a tense session on Tuesday, April 14, as it resumes impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. One lawmaker has described the upcoming hearing as a “bloodbath,” with key witnesses and documents set to be presented.
Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon said the committee is preparing for the crucial stage of the inquiry, which will focus on establishing probable cause for the impeachment complaints.
“Parating na ho tayo sa exciting part mga kaibigan. The bloodbath will happen on Tuesday,” Ridon said.
“Handa-handa po yung komite doon po sa presentation po ng lahat ng mga na-subpoena na mga tao at lahat po ng mga dokumento so.”
Among those expected to testify is Ramil Madriaga, who has identified himself as a former alleged bagman of Duterte and claims knowledge of confidential funds linked to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
Ridon noted that Madriaga’s testimony will be prioritized due to a time window set by the Manila Regional Trial Court.
“Unahin siya kasi meron hong specific time window lang para maisalang. So yung court po ay nagbigay po ng palugit ng 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” he explained.
Also expected to appear are a Commission on Audit (COA) official who handled the audit of Duterte’s confidential funds, and a congressional officer familiar with records from previous hearings under the House Committee on Good Government during the 19th Congress.
Ridon said the committee will proceed with the sequential presentation of witnesses and evidence once documents are formally submitted, depending on available time.
He added that the attendance of Atty. Michael Poa, former chief of staff and current legal counsel of the Vice President, remains unconfirmed but is anticipated.
“Ang wala pa, wala pa kong information kung magpapakita si Attorney Poa sa araw po yan, pero siyempre ang atin po expectation ay he will deliver on his public commitment that firstly he will attend and secondly that he will not invoke client confidentiality on matters relating to his work in the OVP and in the Department of Education,” Ridon said.
The House inquiry is part of the process to determine probable cause before the impeachment complaints can be elevated to the Senate for trial.