In a bold defense of the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, Batangas Representative Gerville Luistro, a key member of the House prosecution panel, has staunchly upheld the legitimacy and constitutionality of the case. Speaking out on February 20, 2025, Luistro dismissed any doubts about the verification process, asserting that the complaint was meticulously signed and affirmed by 215 House members, adhering strictly to the rules set by the 19th Congress of the Philippines.
Luistro refuted claims that the verification page was a later addition, clarifying that it was included when the lawmakers signed the complaint during a February 5 caucus. She emphasized that the verification was part of the oath taken by the congressmen, ensuring the complaint’s procedural integrity.
Addressing concerns about due process, Luistro assured that Vice President Duterte would receive a summons, be given the opportunity to respond, and present evidence, underscoring the commitment to fairness in the impeachment process. She also clarified the one-year impeachment rule, explaining that while only one impeachment can be initiated per year, it does not need to be resolved within that year, with the prohibition extending until November 2025 or February 2026, depending on the filing dates of the complaints.
Amidst these developments, House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe accused allies of Duterte of attempting to manipulate the Office of the Ombudsman to target lawmakers supporting the impeachment. He denounced a call by Davao del Norte Representative Pantaleon Alvarez for the suspension of House leaders accused of falsifying documents as a political vendetta. Dalipe expressed confidence that the Ombudsman would reject this move, labeling it a distraction from the core issues of the impeachment case.
Dalipe also criticized the timing of the complaint against the House leadership, suggesting it was a strategic move to pressure and discredit the House. He defended the integrity of the 2025 national budget process, dismissing allegations of budget insertions as unfounded and misleading.