By Lane Afable, News Editor
The chairperson of the House Committee on Justice on Tuesday renewed her call for Vice President Sara Duterte to directly answer the allegations against her, saying the public deserves clear answers, not legal maneuvering.
Batangas Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro said the proceedings are meant to confront unresolved issues surrounding alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, and other accusations cited in the complaints.
“Kung may sagot—ilabas na. Kung may paliwanag—ibigay na,” Luistro said in her opening statement as the committee resumed hearings to determine whether there is probable cause to elevate the case to the Senate.
Luistro emphasized that the hearings are meant to finally confront issues that, she said, have long gone unanswered.
“Tandaan natin: may mga akusasyon dito na hindi naman bago. Last year pa ito, ngunit ano ang ginawa ng Bise Presidente? Umiwas. Nagtago sa mga teknikalidad,” she said.
She stressed that while petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court, these have failed to address the core accusations.
“Sa pagkahaba-haba ng mga ito, wala ni isa ang sumagot sa mga importanteng akusasyon laban sa Bise Presidente. Puro technicalities lamang ang tinalakay,” Luistro said.
“Ang taumbayan ay naghahanap ng sagot, hindi ng papel.”
The committee chair made clear that the House will proceed with its constitutional mandate to determine whether there is probable cause, framing the process as a necessary step toward accountability.
“Ang ginagawa natin dito ay hindi trial. Ang tanong lang natin: May sapat bang batayan para umusad ang proseso?” she said.
“This is merely the beginning—not the end—of accountability.”
Luistro also rejected claims that the impeachment proceedings are a distraction from other national concerns, saying confronting the issue now would allow the government to move forward.
“Mas makabubuti pa nga na harapin na ito ngayon kaysa patagalin—para makapag-focus na tayo sa ibang mahahalagang usapin,” Luistro said.
She stressed that the hearings are not about personalities but about public accountability.
“This process is not about personalities. It is about accountability. It is about responsibility. Ito ay paninindigan para sa katotohanan,” Luistro said.
Luistro also challenged the Vice President to face the proceedings head-on instead of issuing statements outside the formal process.
“But if it is clarity that is sought—bakit hindi dito? Dito na ang clarificatory hearing. Dito dapat magpaliwanag,” she said.
“Hindi sapat ang sabihing handa. Kailangan magpakita. Kailangan sumagot.”
She reiterated that the committee’s role is limited but critical, to determine whether the case should move forward.
“Our duty is not to pass final judgment, but to clarify, and in the process, to seek the truth,” Luistro said.
As the hearings proceed, Luistro said the central question remains whether there is enough basis to elevate the case to the Senate for trial.
“May nilustay bang pera ng taumbayan o wala? May batayan ba ang mga paratang o wala? Kailangan bang ituloy ang proseso o tapusin na?” she said.
“No other consideration must prevail except what is best for the country.”
