Metro Manila, Philippines – A lawmaker-prosecutor has called on the defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte to decide whether to pursue their case before the Supreme Court or the Impeachment Court, saying both tracks cannot be taken simultaneously.
In an interview on The Newsmaker, Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon questioned the legal strategy of the vice president’s camp.
“I think they have to decide which recourse they will take sa Korte Suprema ba? O sa Senate Impeachment Court?” Ridon said.
[Translation: I think they have to decide which recourse they will take… in the Supreme Court or in the Senate Impeachment Court?]
Ridon said it would be difficult for the defense to participate in impeachment proceedings while simultaneously challenging these before the high court.
“Paano naman mangyayari na they will participate in a trial… that they are questioning before the Supreme Court?” he said.
[Translation: How can they participate in a trial that they are questioning before the Supreme Court?]
He said pursuing both legal remedies in tandem is not feasible.
“Hindi ho talaga obra, nasabay po nila itong recurso,” Ridon said.
[Translation: It will not work if they pursue both remedies at the same time.]
The Duterte defense earlier signaled readiness to face the Impeachment Court while maintaining petitions before the Supreme Court.
Ridon said the issue could also be raised by senator-judges once the impeachment trial begins.
