MANILA — Members of the Duterte family serving in the House of Representatives of the Philippines may participate in plenary debates on the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, according to House Committee on Justice chair Gerville Luistro.

Luistro made the clarification when asked whether Davao City Representatives Paolo Duterte, Omar Vincent Duterte, and Harold Duterte would be allowed to join plenary discussions.

“Well, there will be debates after the sponsorship speech. And I think everybody will be given the opportunity to participate in the debate,” Luistro said during a forum over the weekend in Quezon City.

On whether lawmakers would also be allowed to explain their votes, Luistro said the matter would depend on the Rules Committee and the number of legislators seeking to speak.

“I’m quite sure about that, the interpellation. But with respect to the explanation of vote, siguro iko-consider din ang rules kung ilan ang (perhaps the rules will have to be considered also on how many) House members who are interested to explain their vote,” she added.

Luistro said lawmakers who intend to question the findings of the Justice Committee may find it more effective to participate during interpellations, where the committee can directly respond to their arguments.

“Perhaps if they wish to participate, it’s better to participate in the interpellations so that the Filipino people will hear their arguments, which the Justice Committee will definitely respond [to],” she said.

She also noted that Monday’s plenary session would mark the first time she would publicly present the committee report and the Articles of Impeachment before the full House membership.