MARCH 19, 2026 — Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment saga is heating up, with the House Committee on Justice set to begin “mini-trial” hearings on March 25. Lawmakers warn that if Duterte’s camp skips these proceedings, her case could swiftly move to the Senate — where the stakes are nothing less than her political survival.

The House Committee on Justice has officially declared the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte “sufficient in grounds.” The charges? Alleged graft, corruption, and even a death threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. If proven, conviction in the Senate could ban her from holding public office for life.

Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, who chairs the committee, said, “If Duterte and her legal team choose to skip the hearing next week, they should anticipate that this impeachment complaint will, indeed, be transmitted to the Senate.”

Luistro insists the hearings are a chance for both sides to present evidence, describing them as a “mini-trial.” She clarified that while lawyers can assist, direct and cross-examinations will be conducted by committee members themselves.

Duterte’s lawyer Michael Poa, however, is skeptical. He argues that the hearings offer little benefit since her camp cannot directly cross-examine witnesses. 

“We will advise Duterte to skip the hearing if there’s nothing to gain,” he said, adding that the Vice President is already preparing for a Senate trial.

This strategy is risky. Skipping the House hearings could fast-track the case to the Senate, where Duterte’s political fate would be decided in a high-stakes trial. Remember, her first impeachment case was voided by the Supreme Court on procedural grounds — but lightning rarely strikes twice.

Let’s not forget the timing. Duterte has already announced her intention to run for president in 2028. These impeachment proceedings could either derail her ambitions or, if she survives, fuel a “phoenix rising” narrative that might even strengthen her campaign.

This is about accountability, transparency, and whether the country’s institutions can withstand the weight of power struggles at the highest level. The hearings will test not only Duterte’s resilience but also the credibility of Congress and the Senate in handling such a politically charged case.

The question now is whether Duterte’s camp will face the House head-on or gamble everything on the Senate trial. Either way, the public deserves clarity, accountability, and a fair process.

So do you think we will actually see an impeachment trial that puts truth above power?

(Image: Inday Sara Duterte | Facebook)