House to continue Sara impeach hearings even during recess

House Committee on Justice Chair Batangas Rep. Gerville ‘Jinky Bitrics’ Luistro said Thursday that hearings on the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte will continue even during the upcoming congressional recess.

In a radio interview, Luistro emphasized the importance of keeping the constitutional process on track without unnecessary delays, despite the House of Representatives’ scheduled recess beginning March 18.

“Magre-recess kami ng March 18, but I intend to continue the proceedings of the Justice Committee,” she said. “In my perspective as Justice Chair, I do not want to cause any delay to this proceeding. And that is why I am inclined to continue the hearing even during recess.”

Luistro noted that continuing the hearings is vital to prevent the impeachment process from further dividing government institutions or distracting the public, while stressing that fairness and due process will not be compromised.

“If there is an opportunity to avoid delays, then we should do so – but never at the expense of the substance of the case and the due process of the proceedings,” she said.

The committee previously ruled that the two remaining impeachment complaints against Duterte were sufficient in substance, allowing the case to advance to the next stage of the constitutional impeachment process. Following that, the panel issued a notice directing the Vice President to file her verified answer within a non-extendable period of 10 calendar days.

Under House rules on impeachment, Duterte must submit her answer to the Committee and furnish copies to the complainants, who then have three calendar days to file their reply. The Vice President may subsequently submit a rejoinder within three calendar days of receiving the reply. Luistro said these exchanges are procedural safeguards before hearings proceed.

The notice, dated March 4 and sent to the Office of the Vice President at Cybergate Plaza, warned that failure to file a verified answer within the prescribed period would be deemed a waiver of her right to respond, and a general denial would be assumed.

Records show the notice and complaints were received by Duterte’s office on Thursday at 10:44 a.m.