Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Janice Degamo was among the 53 lawmakers who voted in favor of motions declaring the existence of probable cause in two impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte at the House Committee on Justice on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
The justice committee announced the unanimous vote after deliberations, with Rappler identifying 50 of the 53 lawmakers from the livestream of the proceedings. Committee chairperson Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville "Jinky" Luistro did not vote, citing the rule that allows the chair to cast a vote only in case of a tie.
Degamo, the widow of slain Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, was listed among the non-ranking members for the majority of the justice committee who cast affirmative votes. She was the only lawmaker from Negros Oriental in the panel that found probable cause against the Vice President.
Complete List of Lawmakers Who Voted Yes
The other non-ranking majority members who voted yes included Manila 6th District Representative Bienvenido Abante Jr., Tingog Representative Jude Acidre, Butuan City Representative Joboy Aquino, and Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Bernadette Barbers.
Also voting in the affirmative were Pampanga 4th District Representative Anna York Bondoc, Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua, Manila 1st District Representative Ernesto Dionisio Jr., and 1-Rider Representative Rodrigo Gutierrez.
The list further included Laguna 1st District Representative Ann Matibag, Galing sa Puso 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.
Degamo's Position Shift from March Hearings
Degamo's affirmative vote on Wednesday marks a clear position in the impeachment proceedings. In an earlier hearing on March 2, 2026, she had voted to dismiss the first impeachment complaint against the Vice President, citing strict adherence to constitutional and procedural standards.
By March 4, 2026, she joined colleagues in finding the impeachment complaints sufficient in substance, invoking the death threats that preceded the assassination of her husband. She argued that even conditional threats can escalate into actual harm, drawing from her own experience as the widow of the late Governor Degamo.
The late Governor Roel Degamo was gunned down on March 4, 2023, inside his residential compound in Pamplona, Negros Oriental. His assassination became one of the most high-profile political killings in recent Philippine history.
Questions Raised About Alleged Teves Prison Visit
In recent weeks, Degamo has also called on Vice President Duterte to clarify reports that she had visited former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr., the alleged mastermind in her husband's killing, at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City in late 2025.
The reported visit has drawn scrutiny in connection with the impeachment proceedings, particularly amid allegations linking it to an attempt against the life of Ramil Madriaga, a witness in the impeachment case who is detained in the same facility.
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier confirmed that the Vice President visited Teves, not Madriaga, according to official records.
Charges Against Vice President Duterte
The Vice President faces multiple serious allegations in the impeachment complaints. These include the alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds, which have been subject to scrutiny by various government oversight bodies.
The complaints also cite unexplained wealth accusations and culpable violation of the Constitution. These charges form the basis of the probable cause determination made by the House justice committee.
The confidential funds issue has been particularly contentious, with lawmakers questioning the transparency and accountability measures surrounding their use during Duterte's tenure in various government positions.
Constitutional Process Moving Forward
With the House justice committee finding probable cause, the impeachment complaints against Vice President Duterte advance further in the process that could lead to a Senate trial. The committee's decision represents a significant step in the constitutional process for removing high-ranking officials.
Under the Philippine Constitution, impeachment cases must first pass through the House of Representatives before proceeding to the Senate for trial. The Senate would serve as the impeachment court, with senators acting as judges.
If the case reaches the Senate, a two-thirds majority vote would be required to convict and remove the Vice President from office. This would make Duterte only the second Vice President in Philippine history to face such proceedings.
Degamo's Role in Justice Committee Proceedings
Degamo, as a member of the powerful justice committee, is expected to continue participating in the deliberations as the impeachment process proceeds. Her position carries particular weight given her personal experience with political violence and assassination.
Her involvement in the committee reflects the broader political dynamics surrounding the case, particularly given the connection between her husband's assassination and one of the figures allegedly visited by the Vice President.
The Negros Oriental representative has consistently emphasized the importance of accountability and justice in her public statements regarding both her husband's case and the current impeachment proceedings.
Timeline of Recent Political Developments
The impeachment proceedings have unfolded rapidly since early 2026, with the first complaint initially dismissed before being reconsidered. The March hearings saw significant developments, including Degamo's change in position based on her analysis of the evidence presented.
The process has drawn national attention, particularly given Vice President Duterte's high profile and her family's political prominence. The case represents a significant test of the country's impeachment mechanisms and constitutional processes.
As the proceedings move forward, all eyes will be on how the full House of Representatives handles the committee's recommendation and whether the case will ultimately proceed to the Senate for trial.
Photo credit: Photo from House of Representatives