MANILA – House Committee on Justice Chair Rep. Gerville Luistro urged Vice President Sara Duterte to attend the March 25 committee hearing on her impeachment complaints, warning that failure to respond could leave the complainants’ evidence unchallenged and increase the likelihood of a probable cause finding.

“If she doesn’t counter, of course, what will happen to the evidence of the complainant? It will be unrebutted, in which case, there’s a possibility that there is a probable cause,” Luistro said in an interview with ANC.

Luistro described the upcoming hearing as a “mini-trial” following the committee’s determination that the third and fourth impeachment complaints against Duterte were sufficient in substance. He likened it to a preliminary investigation, where lawmakers evaluate whether probable cause exists.

“It is better for our vice president to participate so she can present her evidence and witnesses, which will be considered in determining whether probable cause exists,” he said.

He added that Duterte’s participation could also improve the chances of the complaints being dismissed. “Because right now, there is a chance it could be dismissed in the determination of probable cause. There is a chance that at least one-third of members on the floor will not support it,” Luistro said.

On March 18, the Justice Committee ruled that Duterte’s written response, submitted ad cautelam, was sufficient in form. Some lawmakers, however, described the reply as a “non-answer.”

During the March 25 hearing, Duterte may present witnesses, evidence, and memoranda. Under Section 9 of the Rules in Impeachment Proceedings, if the committee finds probable cause, it will submit a report along with a resolution containing the Articles of Impeachment. At least one-third of the House of Representatives must vote to approve the Articles before the case is transmitted to the Senate for trial.