MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte remained a “no-show” during the House Committee on Justice hearing on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Her absence signals a continued refusal to participate in proceedings she has labeled “constitutionally flawed” and based on “speculative” accusations.
The hearing proceeded without her, with Committee Chair Gerville Luistro formally noting her empty seat during the roll call. The panel has now shifted its focus to a comprehensive audit of her financial records, including her SALNs, tax filings, and business documents.
With the Vice President absent, the committee spent the session scrutinizing several categories of evidence:
- Financial Discrepancies: Lawmakers are investigating allegations of wealth amassed beyond her declared income, specifically looking at business interests mentioned in her 2022–2024 SALNs.
- Confidential Funds: The inquiry continues to probe the alleged misuse of hundreds of millions of pesos in confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) during her tenure as Secretary.
- Security Allegations: The complaints also include grave accusations involving a supposed plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the First Lady, and the former House Speaker, as well as claims of conspiring to destabilize the government.
Duterte’s legal team, led by spokesperson Michael Poa, has consistently argued that the impeachment push is a political “fishing expedition.”
- Motion to Dismiss: In March, Duterte formally requested the dismissal of the charges, asserting they lack “ultimate facts” and are merely recycled versions of complaints from the previous year.
- Legal Challenges: The Vice President and her allies have filed multiple petitions with the Supreme Court to halt the proceedings, arguing the House panel is abusing its authority.
Despite the Vice President’s absence, the House Committee on Justice is moving toward a critical deadline:
- Probable Cause Determination: The panel is in the final stages of assessing whether the complaints have enough merit to be elevated for a full vote by the House of Representatives.
- Final Hearing: The fourth and final scheduled hearing to determine probable cause is set for April 29, 2026.
- Transmittal to Senate: If the House votes to impeach, the case will be transmitted to the Senate for trial. Senate leadership has already indicated they may convene as early as May 4 should the transmittal occur.