MANILA, Philippines — The House Committee on Justice has escalated the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte by requesting access to her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) and records relating to her alleged threat to kill President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and other officials.
In a hearing on Wednesday, lawmakers voted to issue subpoenas for Duterte’s SALNs from her terms as Davao City mayor and as vice president, which are kept by the Office of the Ombudsman. The panel also moved to secure investigative files on a controversial video in which Duterte is said to have made remarks about hiring a hitman if she were killed—a statement cited in parts of the impeachment complaints.
The subpoenas form part of the committee’s preparation for the “hearing proper” phase of the impeachment process, after having earlier determined that the complaints against Duterte are sufficient in form and substance.
Lawmakers supporting the move have said examining Duterte’s financial disclosures and related evidence is crucial to determining whether there are inconsistencies or possible impeachable offenses. Duterte’s camp has previously maintained that there is insufficient evidence to justify the impeachment case, emphasizing that the proceedings should respect due process.
The impeachment complaints stem from multiple allegations, including the alleged misuse of funds and statements tied to national leaders, which critics have framed as betrayal of public trust or incitement.
Negotiations over procedural questions—including the scope of subpoenas and how evidence will be reviewed—are expected to continue as the inquiry advances.