House Panel Calls Sara Duterte to March 25 Meeting — Impeachment Hearings Start April 14
It's officially happening. The House Justice Committee has invited Vice President Sara Duterte to attend a meeting on March 25 to iron out the ground rules for her impeachment hearing, which is set to begin on April 14. The letter was signed by panel chairperson and Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro.
The March 25 meeting will tackle the two impeachment complaints filed by Fr. Joel Saballa and lawyer Nathaniel Cabrera, and determine which resource speakers and witnesses will be invited to the first formal hearing. Additional hearing dates have been set for April 22 and April 29.
The committee found both impeachment complaints sufficient in substance back on March 4, allowing the proceedings to move forward. Duterte was formally notified the following day and given 10 days to submit her response — a deadline that has since passed.
But don't expect the VP to show up willingly. Duterte's defense team spokesman Michael Poa confirmed receiving the invitation but quickly noted there's 'no requirement under the applicable rules for her personal attendance.' Any decision, he said, would be made 'in accordance with her rights and upon the advice of counsel.'
This marks the second round of impeachment efforts against Duterte after the Supreme Court struck down the first attempt in July 2025 as unconstitutional. With hearings now scheduled to push through even during congressional recess, it's clear the House isn't backing down this time.
Source: The Manila Times
