MANILA — The House Committee on Justice will begin formal preliminary discussions on four impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio on March 2, marking the first concrete step in a process that could carry major political implications ahead of the 2028 presidential elections.
Committee chairperson Gerville Luistro said the panel has earmarked March 2, 3, and 4 for the initial review, which will determine whether the complaints meet the constitutional standards of sufficiency in form and substance — a crucial threshold before the proceedings can advance.
“We are dedicating Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday as our initial hearing dates for the impeachment complaints against the… Vice President,” Luistro said.
The impeachment complaints, which have been filed separately by different complainants, will first undergo a technical evaluation to ensure compliance with constitutional requirements before the committee moves to substantive deliberations.
Luistro explained that once the complaints clear the first level of scrutiny, the committee will issue a formal notice to Duterte-Carpio, requiring her to respond.
“If these impeachment complaints will pass the standard of form and substance, then we will be needing to issue a notice to the Vice President for her to file her answer. And after which, kung may sufficient basis ang impeachment complaint, we will be needing to conduct a hearing. Kung dadating tayo sa puntong iyon… ‘yes, we will continue our deliberation even during the recess of the House,” she added.
The panel chief emphasized that, at this stage, the committee is focused strictly on procedural compliance and sees no immediate obstacles.
“Right now, wala pa akong makitang challenges. Basta initially, we stick to the determination of sufficiency in form… ‘Pag natapos tayo doon, we go to the next. That is the determination of sufficiency in substance… Kung anong procedure, kung anong parameter ang ginamit natin sa impeachment against the President, we will be adopting the same with respect to our impeachment process against the Vice President” Luistro noted.
If the complaints move forward to formal hearings, Duterte-Carpio will be invited to attend, although her personal appearance will not be compulsory. Luistro also said the committee rules do not explicitly define whether the Vice President may be represented by counsel, leaving the matter subject to discussion among panel members if raised.
Beyond its legal dimension, Luistro acknowledged that the impeachment process may influence public opinion, particularly with Duterte-Carpio widely viewed as a potential contender in the 2028 presidential race.
“Of course, because dito sa ating proceedings, mapapag-usapan ‘yung grounds which are issues being imputed against the Vice President. I think it’s possible na maaapektuhan ‘yung judgment ng Filipino people on how they’re going to decide for the next presidential election. Whether the popularity will be affected by the hearing? It will depend on the progress of the hearing. It will depend on the evidence which will be established,” she said.
With the March 2 hearings, the House formally enters what could become one of the most politically consequential proceedings of the current Congress — a process that may test not only constitutional thresholds but also the shifting balance of power as the country moves closer to 2028./PN
