House panel officially orders VP Sara Duterte to answer impeachment raps

The House justice panel on Thursday officially ordered Vice President Sara Duterte to answer allegations of impeachable offenses against her.

This developed after the House committee served notice directing the Vice President to respond to the two verified impeachment complaints it found sufficient in form and substance.

In a Notice to Respondent dated March 4, 2026 addressed to the Office of the Vice President at Cybergate Plaza in Mandaluyong City, the committee ordered Duterte to submit her verified answer “within a non-extendible period of 10 calendar days” from receipt of the notice and to serve a copy of her Verified Answer to complainants within the same period as required under Section 6 of the House rules.

The document was signed by House committee on justice chairperson and Batangas Second District Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro.

In a statement, Atty. Michael Poa, Duterte's legal counsel, said they have received the notice.

"We acknowledge receipt of the notice served today. At this point, we see no need to issue any further comment," he said.

TIMELINE: Impeachment proceedings vs. Vice President Sara Duterte

The impeachment complaints mainly accuse the Vice President of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, among others, over the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential fund, and threat to kill President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and his family. —AOL, GMA Integrated News