Manila: House Committee on Justice chairperson Gerville Luistro of Batangas has pushed back against claims that the House impeachment hearings are intended to embarrass Vice President Sara Duterte. She emphasized that the proceedings serve as an accountability mechanism to determine whether there is probable cause to advance the complaint.

According to Philippines News Agency, Luistro clarified in a radio interview that the intent is not to shame the Vice President. She stated that the hearings are a mandated procedure to examine the existence of probable cause, allowing for clarificatory hearings and the exercise of compulsory processes, such as issuing subpoenas. Luistro addressed the Filipino public, reiterating that the process is an essential part of the impeachment mechanism, requiring careful examination of whether sufficient cause exists to proceed.

Luistro explained that the committee's role is not to conduct a full trial but to make a threshold determination as per the rules. She noted that if probable cause is found, the decision will be forwarded to the plenary for further debate. If affirmed, it could then proceed to the Senate for trial. Conversely, if the evidence is inadequate, the committee can recommend dismissal, which the House plenary will review for final action.

Highlighting the constitutional aspect, Luistro described impeachment as a public tool for holding impeachable officials accountable for serious offenses. She emphasized the democratic principle of government accountability to the people, underscoring the public's power to remove officials who violate this trust.