The House of Representatives will continue hearings on Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment case during its summer break, after adopting a resolution—introduced by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, and Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan—authorizing the Committee on Justice to proceed even while Congress is not in session.
On Tuesday night, March 17, lawmakers approved House Resolution (HR) No. 892, which authorizes the justice panel to act on impeachment-related matters from March 21 to May 3, 2026.
The resolution empowers the committee, chaired by Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro, to conduct hearings, receive evidence, and issue subpoenas despite the congressional break.
It also grants authority to implement Section 8 of the Rules of Procedure in Impeachment Proceedings, ensuring protection for complainants and witnesses.
Lawmakers emphasized that committees may continue their work during recess, consistent with parliamentary practice and the continuing nature of their mandate.
Under the measure, the committee is authorized to implement Section 8 of the Rules of Procedure in Impeachment Proceedings, which provides that: “The House may, upon proper petition, provide adequate protection to a complainant or witness if it is shown that the personal safety of the complainant or witness is in jeopardy because of participating in the impeachment proceeding.”
The authors said the move was meant to ensure the safety of individuals participating in impeachment proceedings, noting that such cases involve testimony and evidence concerning high public officials that may expose complainants and witnesses to “threats, intimidation, harassment, or retaliation.”
The resolution recognizes that protecting participants is necessary to encourage the “truthful disclosure of relevant information” and to preserve the integrity of the proceedings.
In addition, the House may coordinate with relevant government agencies such as the Department of Justice (DOJ), Philippine National Police (PNP), and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in implementing appropriate protective measures.
A potential key witness in the impeachment hearings is alleged ex-Duterte administration intelligence officer Ramil Madriaga. Madriaga is detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Taguig City.
The resolution allows the justice panel to set and adjust hearing schedules, adopt confidentiality protocols and promulgate internal guidelines to ensure the effective implementation of witness protection measures. (Ellson Quismorio)
