Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon stated on Saturday that he expects Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte to formally take the floor this week to defend his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, as the House plenary begins deliberations on her impeachment.
The challenge comes after the House Committee on Justice voted unanimously (53–0) to declare that the consolidated impeachment complaints—citing misuse of confidential funds and unexplained wealth—possess probable cause.
Ridon noted that while Paolo Duterte is not a member of the justice panel and skipped the committee-level hearings, he has a right to make manifestations during plenary sessions.
“Ang in-expect namin this week ipagtatanggol ho niya ‘yung kapatid niya sa plenary proceedings,” Ridon said during a media forum.
Ridon took the opportunity to address the Davao City lawmaker’s recent allegations that House members were coerced or threatened into voting for the impeachment.
Ridon urged his colleague to present concrete evidence for these claims on the House floor rather than limiting his grievances to social media.
“Maganda patunayan ni Cong. Duterte ‘yung claims na sinasabi niya kasi I think for the last couple of months, wala naman ho siyang ginawa kundi maglabas ng mga pahayag sa kanya pong Facebook account,” Ridon stressed.
The Bicol Saro representative pointed out that other non-committee members, such as SAGIP Party-list Representative Rodante Marcoleta, have previously participated in manifestations during the process, suggesting that the same avenue is open to the Vice President’s brother.
Aside from Paolo Duterte, two other members of the Duterte family hold seats in the House of Representatives and could potentially join the defense: Davao City 2nd District Representative Omar Duterte (Paolo’s son) and PPP Party-list Representative Harold Duterte.
The House is expected to vote on the Committee Report this week. A one-third vote of the total membership is required to officially transmit the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate for trial.