Manila Bulletin – ‘Insulto’: House leaders deny bribe claim on probable cause vote in VP Sara impeachment

House Deputy Speakers Paolo Ortega V and Janette Garin have categorically denied allegations that lawmakers were bribed or coerced into voting for the declaration of probable cause in the VP Sara Duterte impeachment case.

Denial of Bribery Allegations

Representative Paolo Ortega of La Union’s 1st district described the claims—specifically the alleged P1.3-billion “appearance fee” for Committee on Justice members—as baseless and diversionary.

“To suggest that lawmakers abandoned their oath for a ‘pay-off’ is not only false—it is an insult to the collective judgment of the committee,” Ortega said.

Ortega asserted that the committee’s unanimous decision was anchored on overwhelming documentary evidence, including official records, verifiable financial documents, and sworn testimonies presented during open hearings.

On April 29, the justice panel, chaired by Batangas 2nd district Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro, voted 53-0 in favor of declaring probable cause for each of the two active complaints against the Vice President.

Ortega, who endorsed one of the complaints, stated that the vote was not coerced but “compelled by evidence,” including official audit findings and financial trails.

Focus on Evidence and Process

Ortega criticized supporters of the Vice President for attacking the impeachment process, claiming that such tactics are used when evidence is strong. He stated that the public deserves the truth found in documents rather than “manufactured noise.”

Deputy Speaker Janette Garin of Iloilo’s 1st district also flatly dismissed the bribery claims. “Walang katotohanan ang ‘appearance fees’ at mas lalong walang pilitan (There is no truth to the so-called ‘appearance fees,’ and even more so, there is no coercion),” Garin said.

Garin noted that the Vice President’s absence from all hearings left the evidence presented against her unanswered, making the unanimous vote for probable cause unsurprising.

According to Garin, the allegations against committee members are a predictable attempt to shift attention away from the official record. She emphasized that no member of the committee would compromise their integrity or risk their credibility for baseless claims.

Garin urged the Vice President’s camp to confront the allegations in the proper constitutional forum, presenting answers under oath and backed by evidence rather than through public insinuations.