Representative Janice Degamo of Negros Oriental's 3rd District joined 52 other House lawmakers in supporting motions that found probable cause in dual impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte during Wednesday's House Committee on Justice session on April 29, 2026.
The justice panel reached its decision through a unanimous vote following extensive deliberations, with media outlet Rappler managing to identify 50 of the 53 participating legislators from the live coverage. Committee head Gerville "Jinky" Luistro of Batangas 2nd District abstained from voting, following standard protocol that permits the chairperson to vote solely when breaking ties.
Sole Negros Oriental Representative in Historic Vote
Among the non-ranking majority members of the justice committee, Degamo stood as the singular representative from Negros Oriental to support the probable cause determination. The widow of murdered Governor Roel Degamo cast her ballot alongside lawmakers from across the archipelago in this significant constitutional proceeding.
Her fellow committee members voting affirmatively included Manila 6th District Representative Bienvenido Abante Jr., Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre, Butuan City Representative Joboy Aquino, and Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Bernadette Barbers.
The affirmative votes also came from Pampanga 4th District Representative Anna York Bondoc, Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua, Manila 1st District Representative Ernesto Dionisio Jr., and 1-Rider party-list Representative Rodrigo Gutierrez.
Evolution of Degamo's Stance on Impeachment
Degamo's Wednesday vote represents a notable shift from her initial position during earlier proceedings. On March 2, 2026, she had supported dismissing the first impeachment complaint, emphasizing strict constitutional compliance and procedural requirements.
However, by March 4, 2026, the Negros Oriental legislator had changed course, joining colleagues in determining the complaints held substantial merit. She cited the death threats that preceded her husband's assassination, arguing that conditional threats can transform into deadly violence based on her personal tragedy.
Governor Roel Degamo was fatally shot on March 4, 2023, within his residential compound in Pamplona, Negros Oriental, becoming one of the Philippines' most notorious recent political assassinations.
Additional Lawmakers Supporting Probable Cause
The comprehensive list of supporting legislators included Laguna 1st District Representative Ann Matibag, Galing sa Puso party-list Representative JP Padiernos, Cagayan de Oro 1st District Representative Lordan Suan, Nueva Ecija 1st District Representative Mikaela Suansing, and Quezon City 5th District Representative Patrick Michael Vargas.
Controversial Prison Visit Allegations
Recent developments have seen Degamo demanding clarification from Vice President Duterte regarding alleged visits to former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr., the suspected orchestrator of her husband's murder, at Camp Bagong Diwa detention facility in Taguig City during late 2025.
This reported encounter has generated significant attention within the impeachment context, especially concerning allegations connecting it to threats against Ramil Madriaga, an impeachment witness housed at the identical facility.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla previously verified that official records show the Vice President visited Teves specifically, not Madriaga, during the questioned timeframe.
Impeachment Allegations Detailed
Vice President Duterte confronts several grave accusations within the impeachment complaints. The charges encompass alleged improper handling of confidential and intelligence funds, which have undergone examination by multiple government oversight agencies.
Additional allegations include unexplained wealth accumulation and constitutional violations through culpable conduct. These accusations constitute the foundation for the justice committee's probable cause finding.
The confidential funds controversy has proven especially divisive, with legislators demanding enhanced transparency and accountability mechanisms governing their utilization throughout Duterte's various government appointments.
Constitutional Machinery in Motion
Following the House justice committee's probable cause determination, the impeachment complaints advance through the constitutional process potentially leading to Senate trial proceedings. This committee decision marks a crucial milestone in the framework for removing senior officials from office.
Philippine constitutional law requires impeachment cases to secure House approval before Senate consideration. The upper chamber would function as the impeachment tribunal, with senators serving as presiding judges.
Senate conviction and removal would necessitate a two-thirds supermajority vote, potentially making Duterte the second Vice President in national history facing such proceedings.
Degamo's Continuing Committee Responsibilities
As a justice committee member, Degamo anticipates ongoing participation in deliberations as impeachment proceedings advance. Her perspective carries special significance given her direct experience with political violence and assassination.
Her committee involvement reflects broader political currents surrounding the case, particularly considering connections between her husband's murder and individuals allegedly visited by the Vice President.
The Negros Oriental representative consistently advocates for accountability and justice in public statements addressing both her husband's case and current impeachment developments.
Recent Political Timeline
Impeachment proceedings have accelerated since early 2026, with initial complaint dismissal followed by reconsideration. March hearings produced major developments, including Degamo's position reversal based on evidence evaluation.
National attention has focused on these proceedings given Vice President Duterte's prominence and her family's political influence. The case tests the country's impeachment infrastructure and constitutional mechanisms.
Future attention centers on full House handling of committee recommendations and potential Senate trial advancement.
Photo credit: House of Representatives