High Court Demands Details on VP Sara Duterte’s Impeachment Proceedings

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has directed both the Senate and the House of Representatives to comment and submit detailed information on the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

In a resolution dated July 8, the SC En Banc consolidated two petitions: one filed by Vice President Duterte questioning the validity and constitutionality of the fourth impeachment complaint against her, and another filed by lawyer Israelito Torreon and several others seeking to nullify the articles of impeachment altogether.

The High Court ordered the House to clarify the status of the first three impeachment complaints previously filed against Duterte. It asked for the specific dates when these complaints were endorsed and whether the House Secretary General exercised discretion in transmitting the complaints to the Speaker of the House.

The Court also requested an explanation on the legal basis, if any, for the Secretary General’s decision to withhold or delay such transmission.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court asked the House to provide comprehensive information about the entire impeachment process. This includes identifying who prepared the draft articles of impeachment, confirming whether the drafts and accompanying evidence were circulated to all House members, and stating when the articles were included in the Order of Business for plenary discussion.

The Court also wants to know whether Vice President Duterte was given an opportunity to respond to the evidence shared with lawmakers, and how much time passed between the endorsement of each complaint and its inclusion in the Order of Business. In addition, the SC is seeking clarity on whether the Secretary General has authority to delay or decline the transmittal of the complaints to the Office of the Speaker.

In response, House spokesperson Atty. Princess Abante confirmed that the chamber had officially received the Supreme Court’s two resolutions related to the petitions filed by Duterte and Torreon. She said the House of Representatives and Secretary-General Reginald S. Velasco, as respondents in the petitions, will submit the required information as ordered by the Court.

“We have already referred the resolution to the Office of the Solicitor General, which serves as our legal counsel, and we will coordinate closely with the OSG to ensure that the information is submitted within the non-extendible 10-day period mandated by the Supreme Court,” Abante stated.

Vice President Duterte was impeached by the House on February 5, with the Articles of Impeachment transmitted to the Senate on the same day. While the Senate has convened as an impeachment court, it has not yet commenced formal hearings.

The Supreme Court’s involvement in the case is expected to significantly impact the impeachment process and may set important precedents in the interpretation of constitutional procedures and legislative responsibilities.