Metro Manila, Philippines – The House prosecution panel has waived its reply to Vice President Sara Duterte on the Articles of Impeachment, saying her answer “does not function as a genuine response to the charges” but an attempt to dismiss the case.
The 11-member team submitted its manifestation to the Impeachment Court on June 5, and a copy was made available to the media on Monday, June 8.
Prosecutors said Duterte’s answer did not provide a “coherent factual narrative that directly refutes the charges.”
“It does not meaningfully engage the factual allegations in the Articles of
Impeachment, but instead concentrates on procedural, jurisdictional, and constitutional objections directed against the continuation of the proceedings,” they said.
The panel noted that the vice president did not provide a substantial explanation of her confidential fund use and her bank transactions, which were some of the issues in the case. On allegations of bribery, prosecutors said Duterte only called it speculative and unsupported without detailing her version of events.
They added that the response did not directly address as well the threats she made against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and any related acts.
On objections raised by Duterte about the authority of the House of Representatives to initiate the proceedings, the prosecution said the matter is already pending with the Supreme Court – in a petition filed by Duterte and a number of her allies.
“At this stage, further paper submissions serve only to delay what the Constitution already requires: the immediate commencement of the trial,” the panel said.
Prosecutors to follow Gatchalian
Meanwhile, House lead prosecutor Jinky Luistro said prosecutors will only recognize the leadership of Sen. Win Gatchalian amid the leadership issues in the chamber.
“If the position of the House of Representatives is in favor of the legitimacy of the leadership of acting SP (Senate president) Gachalian then it follows na doon din po kami susunod in [we’re on that track] as far as notices and orders are concerned,” she said in a press briefing, when asked about the instance that two notices are issued, as Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano insists that he will still preside over the impeachment trial of Duterte.
Luistro acknowledged that the unresolved leadership in the Senate may delay the trial.
The prosecutors have yet to receive a formal notice on the schedule of proceedings, but Luistro said she is optimistic that her team will receive one within the week. She noted that based on the calendar issued by the old leadership, the first day of the pre-trial conference is on June 18.
On the possibility of a special session, she said it may be needed if the Senate decides to elect a clerk of court or designate a new presiding officer other than Gatchalian.
“I am not sure din [too] if there is a rule that the secretary general can automatically assume the position of the clerk of court in the absence of election but we will be inquiring this concern as well with the Senate,” Luistro said.
Under the Constitution, the president is authorized to call for a special session at any time. Congress adjourned sine die on June 3.
