There are still no indications that Vice President Sara Duterte will appear before the House Committee on Justice on Wednesday, with no communication so far from her camp on whether she will attend, House Committee on Public Accounts chair Terry Ridon of Bicol Saro Party-list said Monday.
Ridon, a member of the House Committee on Justice, responded to a reporter’s query that, as of posting time, there has been “no word or message” from the Vice President’s camp regarding her participation in the panel’s proceedings, raising uncertainty over her expected appearance.
“As of posting time, there has been no word or message from her camp,” Ridon said.
The House Committee on Justice, chaired by Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, is set to continue its deliberations on the impeachment complaints, where Duterte has been invited to attend and respond to the allegations raised against her.
Ridon, who sits as a member of the panel, stressed that participation in the proceedings forms part of the constitutional process, underscoring the importance of giving the Vice President the opportunity to address the issues directly before lawmakers.
“The process is there to ensure that all sides are heard. It is an opportunity for the respondent to answer the allegations and clarify matters before the committee,” Ridon said.
Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V on Monday said the Vice President has the opportunity to address the impeachment complaints against her this Wednesday, stressing that accountability under the Constitution calls for a clear response as the public continues to wait.
Ortega, endorser of the fourth impeachment complaint, said the matter goes beyond politics, describing it as part of the constitutional duty of public officials to answer serious allegations.
“This is not just about politics—this is about accountability under the Constitution,” Ortega said.
With the House Committee on Justice scheduled to convene on Wednesday, Ortega noted that many Filipinos are closely following the proceedings and are expecting clarity from the Vice President.
He added that the proceedings provide a proper venue for Duterte to explain her side and respond to the issues raised. “The House proceedings are not a trial—they are an opportunity to explain her side,” Ortega said.
Ortega also emphasized that the impeachment process is guided by fairness and due process, with both sides given the chance to be heard before any determination is made.
“The process is designed to be fair—both sides are given the chance to be heard,” Ortega said. “The committee is not prejudging. Participation strengthens—not weakens—her position.”
As Wednesday’s hearing approaches, Ortega said the public continues to look to its leaders for transparency, noting that many are waiting to hear directly from the Vice President.
