House Complies Supreme Court Order on Duterte Impeachment
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has complied with the Supreme Court’s order to provide information and documents under oath concerning the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte, a spokesperson confirmed on Saturday. This compliance follows the SC’s directive issued on July 8, which stemmed from petitions filed by Duterte and her legal team aimed at halting the impeachment process.
According to the House spokesperson Princess Abante, the Office of the Solicitor General, acting as the House’s legal counsel, submitted the required documents electronically through the Philippine Judiciary Portal and served all involved parties via electronic means. A physical copy is scheduled for personal delivery to the Supreme Court on Monday.
Details of the Impeachment Complaints
The Vice President faces allegations including culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, and other serious offenses, mainly concerning the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds.
Regarding the various complaints, Abante explained that the first three complaints filed by private citizens were duly included in the Order of Business within the constitutionally required ten-session-day period. The fourth complaint, endorsed by over one-third of House members, effectively became the Articles of Impeachment and was forwarded directly to the Senate, making the earlier complaints obsolete and subject to archiving.
The initial complaint was filed on December 2, 2024, by civil society groups and endorsed by Akbayan party-list Representative Percival Cendaña. The second complaint came from progressive groups on December 4, 2024, backed by the Makabayan bloc. On December 19, 2024, the third complaint was filed by religious groups, lawyers, and NGOs, with endorsements from representatives of Camarines Sur and AAMBIS-OWA party-list. The fourth and final complaint, endorsed by 215 House members on February 5, 2025, became the formal Articles of Impeachment transmitted to the Senate.
“The House stands by its position that all four impeachment complaints were handled in full compliance with the Constitution,” Abante emphasized.
House’s Discretion and Supreme Court Clarifications
The Supreme Court’s directive also questioned whether the House secretary-general has discretion on when to transmit endorsed impeachment complaints to the Speaker. In response, the House stated it asserts exclusive authority over its internal deliberations, grounded in the separation of powers and its status as a co-equal branch of government.
Another point raised was whether House members had adequate time to review the charges and evidence before endorsing the fourth complaint. Abante responded that the Constitution does not specify how members must review complaints, nor does it undermine their sworn certification that they studied and understood the allegations.
The tribunal also inquired if Vice President Duterte was given the opportunity to respond to the evidence shared with House members. The House reaffirmed that her right to due process will be preserved during the impeachment trial, where she will be able to defend herself and present evidence.
Senate and Impeachment Trial Developments
The Senate initially convened as an impeachment court on June 10 but returned the Articles of Impeachment to the House, seeking certification that the complaint complies with the Constitution’s one-year bar rule and that the 20th Congress intends to proceed.
Informal talks among some senators and Senate President Francis Escudero suggested that the trial might start on August 4, allowing time for the Senate to complete organizational matters for the 20th Congress. However, Senators Francis Pangilinan and Vicente Sotto III urged that the impeachment court be convened at the earliest possible time, noting the trial’s five-month delay.
The first session of the 20th Congress begins on July 28, coinciding with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address.
“The House remains committed to transparency, constitutional fidelity, and upholding the rule of law,” Abante stressed. She added, “We trust that the Supreme Court will accord the same respect to the prerogatives of a co-equal branch of government as enshrined in our democratic framework.”
For more news and updates on Duterte impeachment, visit Filipinokami.com.
