The House Committee on Justice officially opened the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday, March 25, with a firm declaration that the constitutional process of accountability will not paralyze the government’s legislative obligations.

Rep. Gerville Luistro, addressing the committee during the establishment of ground rules, pushed back against claims that the high-profile case would distract lawmakers from their duties to the public.

"Kahit may impeachment, tuloy pa rin tayo sa iba nating obligasyon. Ang ating serbisyo publiko ay hindi napuputol, hindi tumitigil kahit sa gitna ng pinakamabigat na tungkulin."

The hearing marked the initial deliberation on two separate impeachment complaints. The first was filed by Rev. Fr. Joel Saballa and others, endorsed by Rep. Leila M. De Lima. The second was filed by Atty. Nathaniel G. Cabrera and endorsed by Reps. Bienvenido M. Abante Jr. and Francisco Paolo P. Ortega.

A 'Dual Duty'

Luistro framed the proceedings as a "dual duty" to the Filipino people—one that requires balancing the pursuit of public accountability with the daily mandate of governance. She described the day as the beginning of a process demanding "patience, discipline, and vigilance."

"Sa prosesong ito, sisikapin natin maging tapat hindi lamang sa batas kundi sa sambayanang Pilipino," Luistro added.

The lawmaker also highlighted the contradiction in the Vice President's defense strategy. While Duterte reportedly prepared for a "full-scale legal battle" and a "bloodbath" by assembling a massive legal team, she chose not to attend the hearing in person.

"She is apparently ready to face the accusations and defend herself at length," Luistro remarked. "And yet, it appears she will not even participate."

Duterte’s Counter-Defense

Vice President Duterte, who submitted an Answer ad Cautelam to the committee, released an online statement dismissing the proceedings as a "third fishing expedition." She accused the House of Representatives of engaging in political theater at the expense of citizens facing economic hardships.

"Inuuna ang politika kaysa sa kapakanan ng milyon-milyong Pilipino na hirap na hirap dahil sa mahal na bilihin," Duterte said in her statement.

The Vice President maintained that there is no rule requiring a respondent to appear personally before the Committee on Justice. She called for the immediate dismissal of the complaints, citing a "clear lack of evidence."

The Committee on Justice is expected to move forward with determining the sufficiency of the complaints in form and substance in the coming sessions.