House Committee on Justice chairperson and Batangas Rep.
Gerville Luistro said that there should be no delay or shortcuts in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Luistro said the impeachment proceedings will continue during the break of the session, which will start on March 18.
“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 said.
“Magre-recess kami ng March 18, but I intend to continue the proceedings of the Justice Committee.”
The session will resume on May 4 and adjourn sine die on June 5.
While the Committee wants to move forward swiftly, Luistro said it will not sacrifice fairness and due process.
“Kung may pagkakataon din lang eh do not cause any delay, but do not compromise the substance and the due process of the proceeding,” she said.
On Wednesday, the Justice committee declared the two remaining impeachment complaints againstDuterte sufficient in substance.
A notice was formally sent to the Office of the Vice President on Thursday directing Duterte to respond to the allegations within 10 days.
Duterte’s response will be sent to the complainants, who will be given three days to file a reply.
The reply will be given to Duterte for her to file a rejoinder within three days.
Luistro said these exchanges of responsive pleadings are part of the procedural safeguards before the committee proceeds and determines if there are enough grounds to warrant a public hearing and determine if there is probable cause.
