The Supreme Court has directed both chambers of Congress to submit documents and clarifications regarding the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
The order seeks to establish whether House lawmakers had sufficient time to examine charges and evidence before endorsing the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate.
The directive stems from separate petitions filed by VP Duterte and lawyer Israelito Torreon, who challenged the legal basis of the impeachment process.
Among the key details requested:
– Identity of the drafters of the Articles of Impeachment
– Whether all House members received the draft and supporting evidence
– Timeline of inclusion in the Order of Business
– Whether Duterte was given a chance to respond to the evidence
– Filing dates and current status of the three initial complaints
– Time elapsed from endorsement to the House Speaker’s office
– Scope of discretion held by the House Secretary General on transmitting complaints
House impeachment prosecutor Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua affirmed receipt of the notice and pledged compliance.
House Secretary General Reginald Velasco maintained that procedures followed legal standards, citing the Constitution’s lack of specific timelines for transmission.
Velasco and Manila 5th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. said lawmakers reviewed the complaint thoroughly during committee hearings and were briefed before signing.
The Senate Impeachment Court likened the Supreme Court’s move to its earlier decision to remand the Articles to the House amid constitutional concerns.
Senate spokesperson Atty. Regie Tongol emphasized the importance of procedural integrity, adding that the Senate will respond accordingly but refrain from public comment due to the sub judice rule. (ZIA LUNA)
