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Friday, Mar 06, 2026
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Impeachment Proceedings Against Vice President Sara Duterte Encounter Hurdles
The House prosecution panel seeks clarification from the Senate after the latter returned Articles of Impeachment.
The impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte have faced significant challenges as the House prosecution panel has contested the Senate Impeachment Court's decision to return the Articles of Impeachment.
This return was made on the grounds of clarifications required regarding the constitutional compliance of the House’s submission.
In a press briefing, Batangas Representative Gerville Luistro stated that the Senate Impeachment Court had instructed the House panel to issue a certification confirming adherence to constitutional requirements in filing the impeachment complaint.
Luistro asserted that the panel had complied fully with the constitutional mandates, including not violating the one-year prohibition rule for filing such complaints.
The House of Representatives voted to impeach Vice President Duterte on February 5, with 215 lawmakers supporting the motion, surpassing the requisite one-third majority of 102 members needed for the impeachment to proceed.
Furthermore, the Senate's second directive involved the House coordinating with the incoming 20th Congress to ensure the impeachment trial proceeds.
Luistro expressed confusion regarding this order, emphasizing the complications due to the 20th Congress not yet being in session.
The House panel also plans to request clarification from the Senate on its instruction to cancel the presentation of the Articles of Impeachment.
Senate President and presiding judge of the Impeachment Court, Francis Escudero, warned that the House must comply with the court's orders.
In related developments, the Senate sergeant-at-arms has delivered a writ of summons to Vice President Duterte in connection with the pending impeachment trial.
A copy of this writ, as shared with the media, specifically mandated retired Lieutenant General Roberto Ancan, head of the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms, to deliver a 'true and attested' copy to the Vice President's office.
The Office of the Vice President confirmed receipt of the writ, with Media Relations Office Chief JC Cahinhinan noting it was received at 11:05 AM. The summons indicates that Vice President Duterte is required to respond within a non-extendable period of ten days.
At the time of this development, the Vice President, along with her family, was reportedly in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
This return was made on the grounds of clarifications required regarding the constitutional compliance of the House’s submission.
In a press briefing, Batangas Representative Gerville Luistro stated that the Senate Impeachment Court had instructed the House panel to issue a certification confirming adherence to constitutional requirements in filing the impeachment complaint.
Luistro asserted that the panel had complied fully with the constitutional mandates, including not violating the one-year prohibition rule for filing such complaints.
The House of Representatives voted to impeach Vice President Duterte on February 5, with 215 lawmakers supporting the motion, surpassing the requisite one-third majority of 102 members needed for the impeachment to proceed.
Furthermore, the Senate's second directive involved the House coordinating with the incoming 20th Congress to ensure the impeachment trial proceeds.
Luistro expressed confusion regarding this order, emphasizing the complications due to the 20th Congress not yet being in session.
The House panel also plans to request clarification from the Senate on its instruction to cancel the presentation of the Articles of Impeachment.
Senate President and presiding judge of the Impeachment Court, Francis Escudero, warned that the House must comply with the court's orders.
In related developments, the Senate sergeant-at-arms has delivered a writ of summons to Vice President Duterte in connection with the pending impeachment trial.
A copy of this writ, as shared with the media, specifically mandated retired Lieutenant General Roberto Ancan, head of the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms, to deliver a 'true and attested' copy to the Vice President's office.
The Office of the Vice President confirmed receipt of the writ, with Media Relations Office Chief JC Cahinhinan noting it was received at 11:05 AM. The summons indicates that Vice President Duterte is required to respond within a non-extendable period of ten days.
At the time of this development, the Vice President, along with her family, was reportedly in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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