A heated exchange broke out during the House Committee on Justice hearing on impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte. Quezon City Rep. Congressman Bong Suntay referenced allegations that lawmakers received envelopes and “suitcases of cash,” prompting a sharp objection from Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon. As the argument escalated over whether the issue belonged in the proceedings, Suntay’s microphone was cut off while he tried to continue speaking.
The committee was meeting to determine the sufficiency in form of the impeachment complaints, a stage that checks whether documents follow legal requirements such as verification and proper filing. This process does not yet evaluate evidence or credibility. Lawmakers must first confirm that complaints meet procedural standards before further deliberation can proceed.
“This is actually relevant not only the determination of form and substance and this is relevant in the impartiality. Yung determining the impartiality of this hearing, which is very important.” Suntay argued that allegations contained in a February 23 joint affidavit reportedly transmitted to the Office of the Ombudsman raised concerns about whether the panel could assess the complaints without bias.
Ridon challenged the intervention and argued that the committee should remain focused on procedural requirements. He said Suntay’s statements appeared to suggest that members of the justice panel had received payments in relation to the impeachment proceedings. Ridon urged the committee to rule quickly on whether the remarks were out of order and unrelated to the task at hand.
Suntay clarified that he intended to raise a concern about the integrity of the process rather than accuse any individual lawmaker. He maintained that addressing questions of impartiality formed part of responsible deliberation. The committee later voted to strike his manifestations from the official record.
