MARCH 25, 2026 — Vice President Sara Duterte will skip today’s first impeachment hearing, but the House Committee on Justice is pressing forward with its “hearings proper” stage, signaling a tense and highly scrutinized battle over allegations of misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, and threats against top officials. The public is watching closely, as this could set the tone for one of the most consequential political showdowns in years.

At exactly 10 a.m. today, March 25, the House Committee on Justice convenes at the People’s Center in Quezon City to begin the “hearings proper” of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment case. Chaired by Batangas Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro, the committee will lay down ground rules, tackle motions, and move toward the evidentiary phase.

But the headline twist? VP Sara Duterte will not be there. Her legal team, through spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa, confirmed she will skip the hearing, citing constitutional objections. Instead, her camp is relying on legal filings already submitted, urging dismissal of the complaints for “lack of basis.”

What’s at stake

Two complaints survived procedural review:

• Third complaint filed by Father Joel Saballa, endorsed by Rep. Leila de Lima.
• Fourth complaint filed by lawyer Nathaniel Cabrera, endorsed by Reps. Bienvenido Abante Jr. and Paolo Ortega V.

Both accuse Duterte of:

• Misusing ₱612.5 million in confidential and intelligence funds
• Amassing unexplained wealth
• Violating SALN requirements
• Bribery
• Issuing alleged threats against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez

The committee is expected to resolve motions today, including subpoenas for documents and custody of detained witness Ramil Madriaga, who claims to be a former “bagman” of the Vice President. Questions also swirl around possible conflicts of interest involving Duterte’s lawyers Michael Poa and Reynold Munsayac, who may themselves be called as witnesses.

Rep. Luistro stressed, “Prosecutors kami dito. So, ang mga justice members ang mag-aaral ng lahat ng ebidensyang ilalatag ng complainant at ng respondent.” 

(We are the prosecutors here. So, the members of the justice panel will study all the evidence presented by both the complainant and the respondent.)

This isn’t the first time impeachment has haunted Duterte. In late 2024, a complaint prospered in the House but was struck down by the Supreme Court on technical grounds. Her critics quickly regrouped, filing fresh complaints in February 2026 — just days after the Court affirmed its ruling.

Now, the hearings proper could determine whether probable cause exists to elevate the case to a full Senate impeachment trial. The committee has already scheduled subsequent hearings on April 14, 22, and 29.

Why you should care

This isn’t just about one politician. It’s about how power is checked in our country. The allegations touch on confidential funds — money meant for national security but allegedly diverted. They raise questions about transparency, accountability, and whether leaders can be held to the same standards as ordinary citizens.

Rep. Terry Ridon put it bluntly, saying, “Everything that has been discussed previously are not based on speculation, these are based on evidence. Hindi ho totoo na all of these are based on conjecture” (It is not true that all of these are based on conjecture).

Now, skipping the hearing may be a legal strategy, but politically, it risks alienating the public. In a country where we line up for hours to process documents or defend ourselves in court, the sight of a Vice President refusing to face accusations head-on is bound to stir resentment.

The hearings are not just about Sara Duterte — they are about whether our institutions can withstand pressure from powerful figures. If the committee pushes through with rigor and fairness, it could restore some faith in accountability. If it falters, it risks deepening cynicism about politics as a game only the elite can play.

In a nation hungry for accountability, will we see justice served at the highest levels of power?

(Image: Inday Sara Duterte | Facebook)