Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro characterized the latest legal pivot by Vice President Sara Duterte’s camp as a subtle admission of the case’s momentum, suggesting that their readiness to answer only before the Senate implies the House proceedings have already established a solid foundation for impeachment.
During the resumption of the House Committee on Justice hearing, Luistro highlighted what she viewed as a significant shift in the Vice President’s defense strategy.
She noted that while Duterte’s lawyers previously expressed a general willingness to respond to allegations, they are now specifying a preference for the upper chamber.
“Una, sabi ng mga abogado, handa raw sumagot ang Bise Presidente, handa raw siyang humarap—pero sa Senado. Hindi dito, kundi sa Senado,” Luistro remarked. “Napaisip tuloy tayo: kung doon siya sasagot – hindi ba’t kinikilala na rin niya na meron ng sapat na ebidensya dito, at patungo na talaga sa Senado ang kasong ito?”
Luistro argued that rather than directly debunking the financial records and figures presented by the committee, the Vice President’s camp has opted to focus on procedural technicalities and the venue of the trial.
She clarified that the House’s current role is not to hand down a final verdict of guilt, but to determine if the evidence warrants a formal trial.
The lawmaker emphasized that the proceedings have moved into the realm of “forensic truth,” citing official documentation that raises questions regarding the Vice President’s finances.
Among the evidence discussed were Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs) confirmed by the Ombudsman, showing Duterte’s net worth surged from ₱34 million in 2016 to ₱88 million in 2024—all while declaring zero cash on hand since 2019.
Furthermore, the committee reviewed reports from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) detailing over 600 covered transactions and 33 suspicious transactions amounting to ₱6.7 billion. Luistro also noted that independent documents submitted by former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV were found to match official records upon random verification.
Reaffirming the committee’s dedication to the process, Luistro maintained that the House would remain insulated from external political messaging.
“Our mandate is clear, and our resolve is firm. Guided by the Constitution, anchored on evidence, and faithful to the trust of the Filipino people, and above all, led by the clear voice of our conscience, we shall continue this hearing,” she said.