Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro on Monday strongly defended the integrity of the House Committee on Justice, rejecting claims that the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte were rushed or marred by procedural shortcuts.
Speaking before the panel, Luistro stressed that the committee adhered strictly to constitutional requirements despite external pressures, including press conferences, petitions before the Supreme Court, and separate complaints filed with city prosecutors.
“Sinunod natin ang Konstitusyon. Hindi tayo nagmadali; hindi tayo nag-shortcut. We honored the process.”
Luistro outlined a detailed timeline of the committee’s actions to highlight the structured progression of the proceedings:
- March 2: Proceedings began; complaints declared sufficient in form.
- March 4: Complaints found sufficient in substance.
- March 15: Deliberations on preliminary matters and issuance of subpoenas.
- March 18: Determination of sufficient grounds for impeachment.
- April 14, 22, and 29: Formal presentation and examination of evidence.
- April 29: Committee officially found probable cause.
She acknowledged the challenges faced by the panel, noting the influx of testimonies and documents that tested the patience of members amid public criticism.
“Bawat hakbang, bawat salita, bawat ebidensya, hinarap natin nang buong pag-iingat at pananagutan. We heard the evidence. We examined the evidence. We certainly had our ups and downs. We had our inflows and outflows of testimonies and documents.”
Despite attempts to delay the process, Luistro said the committee remained firm, describing the May 4 hearing as the final step before the matter is elevated to the plenary.
“But through it all, one thing remained certain: we never went sideways. Hindi tayo naligaw. Nanatili tayong may direksyon. Sa paglalakbay na ito, napagod tayo. Sinubok ang ating pasensya, lalo na sa harap ng mga batikos mula sa labas. Opo, maraming hakbang ang ginawa upang pigilan ang prosesong ito, pero sa kabila ng lahat, hindi tayo natinag.”
Closing her remarks, Luistro underscored the importance of accountability and the rule of law, stressing that the process sets a precedent for future generations.
“Because we owe it to the next generation of Filipinos to show them that no one, no matter how powerful, no matter the title, is above the law. If the Vice President is guilty, let the truth convict her. If she is innocent, let the process clear her.”