SAGIP Party-list Rep. Paolo Henry Marcoleta on Wednesday criticized the House Committee on Justice proceedings on the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, describing the inquiry as a “fishing expedition.”
During the third House impeachment hearing, Marcoleta argued that the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) being discussed was not included in the original impeachment complaints filed against the Vice President.
“The SALNs discussed were not attached in the original complaints. Hindi po sila kasama sa original complaints,” Marcoleta said, adding that using SALNs as a starting point without supporting evidence reflects a lack of proper basis for the investigation.
He said the approach of the committee supports the view that the inquiry is exploratory in nature rather than evidence-based.
“Using the SALNs as a starting point without necessary predicate evidence supports the position that the investigation of the House of Representatives Committee on Justice is a fishing expedition,” he said.
Marcoleta also pointed out that the complaint itself calls for the acquisition of bank records, coordination with the Anti-Money Laundering Council, and forensic accounting measures, which he said indicates that key facts are still being gathered rather than already established.
“On the SALN issue, the complaint asks this committee to obtain bank records, silence, coordinate with the AMLC, and forensic accounting. If so, it is an acknowledgement that the complaint is still seeking the very facts it needs to conclusively prove its silence theory,” he added.
He further stressed the difference between complaints that already contain evidence-based allegations and those that rely on congressional investigation to establish proof.
“Malaki ang pinagkaiba ng isang complaint that already alleges ultimate facts supported by evidence, and the complaint substantially requests this committee to investigate and we will later find the proof,” Marcoleta said.
Marcoleta also raised concerns about the role of the Ombudsman, saying the House proceedings may question its independence, as the impeachment panel has reportedly summoned it in connection with the Vice President’s SALNs. He noted that the Ombudsman already has an ongoing investigation and is primarily mandated to handle cases involving public officials.
However, Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido "Benny" Abante disputed Marcoleta’s claim, insisting that the SALN issue is explicitly included in the impeachment complaint.
“Paano niya nasabi 'yun? Kasama eh, ito babasahin ko 'Vice Pres. Sara Duterte committed culpable violation of the constitution and betrayed the public trust in... unexplained wealth and failing to disclose all her properties and interest in properties in her SALN. Nakalagay po sa complaint,” Abante said.
“Anong sinasabi niyang hindi kasama sa original complaint? Ang hirap nun, salita siya nang salita rito. Kinakailangang maging sure tayo na hindi nabanggit,” Abante added.
Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro also noted during the hearing that allegations involving Duterte’s SALN are clearly mentioned in the impeachment complaint, countering Marcoleta’s position.
The House Committee on Justice continues its deliberations on the impeachment case against the Vice President.
