THE House Committee on Justice on Friday stressed that the Constitution clearly vests in the House of Representatives the sole power to initiate impeachment cases, a mandate it said it is “duty-bound to carry out faithfully,” even as it takes note of a petition filed before the Supreme Court questioning the ongoing proceedings.
In an official statement, the panel chaired by Batangas Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro of Batangas said the panel reiterated its respect for the high court, even as it underscored the House’s constitutional role in impeachment cases.
“We reaffirm our full respect for the Supreme Court as the final arbiter of constitutional and legal questions. We will abide by any lawful order it may issue,” the statement read.
“At the same time, the Constitution is equally clear in vesting upon the House of Representatives the sole power to initiate impeachment cases. This is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and one we are duty-bound to carry out faithfully,” it said.
“In all these, we remain guided by one principle: fidelity to the Constitution and service to the Filipino people,” the committee added.
The panel said it has yet to receive a copy of the petition but is prepared to study and respond to it through proper legal channels.
“We have taken note of reports that a petition has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking to question the ongoing impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives,” the committee said.
“At this time, we have not yet received nor reviewed the actual petition. As with any legal pleading involving the institution, we will study it carefully once it is formally served, and we will respond through the proper legal processes,” it added.
The committee clarified that the proceedings remain part of a preliminary process aimed at determining probable cause.
“The ongoing proceedings in the House Committee on Justice are part of this constitutional process. They are designed to determine whether probable cause exists—not to determine guilt, and not to conduct a trial. That function belongs to the Senate,” it said.
It also stressed that the proceedings adhere to due process and established rules.
“We also emphasize that the process being undertaken is anchored on due process, consistent with the Constitution, the Rules on Impeachment, and relevant jurisprudence. The proceedings are open, orderly, and provide all parties the opportunity to be heard,” it said.
Despite the petition, the panel maintained that the House’s constitutional functions remain in force.
“The filing of a petition, by itself, does not suspend the constitutional functions of a co-equal branch. Accordingly, unless and until directed otherwise by the Supreme Court, the House will continue to perform its mandate,” it said.
The committee framed the situation as part of the broader system of checks and balances among branches of government.
“This is not a question of conflict between institutions. On the contrary, it is a demonstration of how our system of checks and balances operates—each branch acting within its own constitutional sphere, with mutual respect for one another,” the committee said.
Lawmakers also assured the public that legislative work continues alongside the impeachment process.
“We assure the public that the House of Representatives remains focused on both accountability and governance. Our legislative work continues, even as we fulfill our constitutional duties in the impeachment process,” the panel said.
