In the lead-up to the first impeachment hearing today, Duterte's counsel, lawyers from Fortun Narvasa & Salazar, had sent a letter challenging the proceedings as unconstitutional and arguing they were tantamount to an actual trial. A statement by the vice president issued today echoed the objection, saying an unjust "mini-trial" awaited her. Luistro clarified on the record that "mini-trial" had only been used to distinguish the committee hearing from the Senate trial, and carried no legal effect on the nature of the proceedings. Protecting due processThe committee devoted a significant portion of the first part of the hearing to debating how Duterte's lawyers could participate even though none of them were present. Instead, the vice president issued a public statement on the same day of the hearing, calling on the committee to dismiss the complaints "for clear lack of evidence."

Source: Philippine Star March 25, 2026 06:36 UTC