Metro Manila, Philippines – The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte said it may elevate issues surrounding her impeachment case to the Supreme Court, as it questioned the constitutionality of the proceedings and alleged “double standards” in how complaints were handled.
In an interview on The Newsmaker on NewsWatch Plus, defense spokesperson Michael Poa said bringing the matter before the high court remains an option, though no decision has been made.
“As far as raising matters to the Supreme Court, of course that’s always a possibility, but we don’t really want to speculate at the moment,” Poa said.
‘Double standards’
Poa said the vice president’s response to impeachment complaints focused on two main arguments: an alleged violation of due process and the supposed inconsistent application of standards by lawmakers.
He said the House applied stricter scrutiny in evaluating complaints against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. compared to those filed against Duterte.
“What we are questioning is the lack of uniformity in the standards… that’s why we say there were double standards,” he said.
‘No ultimate facts’
The defense also argued that the impeachment complaints failed to establish “ultimate facts” — or essential details — needed to constitute impeachable offenses.
“If there are no ultimate facts… there is nothing to respond to,” Poa said.
He said the complaints relied on “speculations” and lacked clear evidence linking allegations to actual wrongdoing.
Despite raising constitutional concerns, Poa said Duterte’s camp will continue to engage in the impeachment process.
“We even filed an answer, even if there was no requirement… so we are not saying we will not participate,” he said.
He also clarified that filing the response on the final day was not unusual, noting that legal teams often use the full period to refine their arguments.
“There’s nothing irregular about filing on the last day,” Poa said.
Ready for possible trial
Poa said the vice president remains prepared should the case proceed to a full impeachment trial in the Senate.
“She’s always been ready for trial,” he said.
He said the burden of proof lies with the complainants.
“It is not incumbent upon the vice president to help the complainants build their case,” he added.
Some lawmakers have criticized Duterte’s response as evasive, saying it failed to directly address the allegations and instead relied on legal arguments.
Poa rejected that characterization, insisting the defense is grounded in legal principles.
“This is not about technicalities,” he said.
The Supreme Court favored Duterte last year when it declared the 2025 impeachment complaint unconstitutional for violating the one-year rule on the filing of complaints against an official. It said the ruling does not absolve Duterte of charges in the articles of impeachment.
