Manila, March 2 -- As the Committee on Justice begins its scheduled deliberations Monday on the four verified impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, Speaker Faustino Dy III stressed that the proceedings are part of the House of Representatives' constitutional mandate and not about personalities.

"As Speaker of the House, I want to be clear about one thing: This is a constitutional process. It is not a political performance and it is not a venue for trial by publicity," Dy said in a statement.

Under the constitution, he said the House of Representatives has the solemn duty to determine whether impeachment complaints are sufficient in form and substance.

"That responsibility rests primarily with the Committe...