A member of the House of Representatives’ justice panel said on Wednesday that alleged “grave threats” made by Vice President Sara Duterte against top government officials could be considered an impeachable offense, as lawmakers move closer to a possible committee vote.
In an interview with DZRH’d Dos Por Dos, Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora, vice chairperson of the House Committee on Justice said Wednesday’s 4th impeachment hearing will focus on allegations that Duterte made threats during an online interview in November 2024, where she reportedly claimed she had hired an assassin to target the president, the first lady, and a former House speaker if she were killed.
“The mere fact na sinabi niya na may balak siyang ipapatay ang mga opisyales na iyon ay criminal act in itself.”
“At kung hindi man natin sabihing criminal act yun, impeachable act siya in itself. Impeachable offense na po yun.”
She added that the panel plans to present witnesses from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and replay the video of the interview, which she described as “the best evidence” of the alleged threats.
Zamora added it is not necessary to identify or present the alleged hired individual to establish wrongdoing.
“Hindi po kailangan na ipresenta yung taong iyon na sinabihan o inutusan ng ating Vice President, dahil po yung criminal action na ginawa niya, yung mismong pagsabi niya nung mga words na iyon.”
The lawmaker emphasized that such statements are unacceptable, particularly from a high-ranking official.
“Maski sinong tao, hindi po dapat nagsasabi niyan. What more, yung second highest official of the land.”
Aside from the threats issue, the committee is also expected to revisit unresolved matters from previous hearings, including discussions related to documents from the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
Zamora said a majority vote of committee members is required to approve any impeachment complaint. If approved, the case will be elevated to the House plenary before it can be transmitted to the Senate for trial.
She acknowledged concerns among some lawmakers about potential political repercussions but said she remains focused on her duties.
“We owe it to our countrymen to do our job,” Zamora said.
