MANILA – The House of Representatives is continuing its work on economic and relief measures even as it proceeds with impeachment hearings against Vice President Sara Duterte, Batangas Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro said.

“Kahit may impeachment, tuloy pa rin tayo sa iba nating obligasyon,” Luistro, chair of the House Committee on Justice, said as the panel formally began hearings on the remaining impeachment complaints against the Vice President.

Luistro said the chamber, under Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III, remains focused on pressing national issues such as rising oil prices, increasing costs of basic goods, and maintaining public services.

“Even as we undertake this solemn constitutional duty, the House of Representatives does not forget its other responsibilities,” she said.

She cited measures already passed by the House aimed at easing the burden on Filipinos, including a bill authorizing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to suspend or reduce fuel excise taxes amid global oil price increases linked to tensions in the Middle East.

“Nariyan na po ang panukalang batas na ‘yan—pinag-aralan, pinag-isipan, at inaasahang makatutulong sa ating mga kababayan,” she said.

Luistro added that lawmakers continue to advance proposals addressing inflation, food security, and access to essential services, along with reforms to improve government efficiency. These include measures to abolish the travel tax, institutionalize digital payments in government transactions, and streamline service delivery.

The House has also pushed forward education-related reforms, including amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act and the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program. In addition, Luistro noted progress on the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty bill following nationwide consultations and completed plenary deliberations.

“That governance is a constant balancing act—attending to urgent needs, while fulfilling constitutional obligations,” she said.

“Kahit may impeachment, tuloy tayo sa iba nating tungkulin. Ang ating serbisyo publiko ay hindi napuputol, hindi tumitigil—kahit sa gitna ng pinakamabigat na tungkulin.”

Luistro emphasized that the House must balance its accountability role with responsive governance, noting that lawmakers should remain mindful of the public’s difficulties.

The House Committee on Justice is conducting hearings to determine whether probable cause exists to elevate the impeachment complaints to the Senate for trial.