MANILA — The House of Representatives Committee on Justice ruled on March 18, 2026, that the impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte are “sufficient in grounds,” paving the way for full hearings to begin on March 25.

The decision was reached during a committee session where lawmakers deliberated on the third and fourth impeachment complaints lodged against Duterte. Senior Deputy Majority Leader Lorenz Defensor moved to declare the third complaint sufficient in grounds, while Deputy Speaker Janette Garin made the motion for the fourth. Both motions were seconded, and no objections were raised, leading to the approval by the panel chaired by Batangas Representative Gerville Luistro.

The committee’s ruling means that the impeachment process will now advance to the “hearing proper,” where evidence, witnesses, and memoranda will be examined in accordance with House rules. Luistro confirmed that the next hearing is scheduled for March 25, 2026, marking the start of formal proceedings against the Vice President.

The impeachment complaints against Duterte stem from allegations of misuse of confidential funds and supposed irregularities in the Office of the Vice President’s budget allocations. Critics argue that these actions constitute betrayal of public trust, while Duterte’s allies have dismissed the complaints as politically motivated.

During the session, lawmakers emphasized that the committee’s role at this stage was not to determine guilt but to assess whether the complaints met the constitutional threshold to proceed. “The grounds are sufficient, and therefore we are duty-bound to move forward with the hearings,” Luistro said.

Vice President Duterte has yet to issue a detailed response to the committee’s latest ruling, but she previously maintained that she has done nothing wrong and that the impeachment efforts are part of political maneuvering ahead of the 2028 elections.

The development has heightened political tensions, with observers noting that the impeachment proceedings could have significant implications for the Marcos administration’s coalition and the broader political landscape.

As the March 25 hearing approaches, the House Committee on Justice is expected to summon witnesses and review documentary evidence to determine whether the complaints should be elevated to the plenary for trial in the Senate.

The ruling underscores the seriousness of the charges and signals that the impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte is entering a critical phase, one that will be closely watched by the public and political stakeholders alike.