Philippine House prosecutors insisted Wednesday that the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte will move forward, despite the Senate returning the case for further review just hours after convening as an impeachment court.
During a press conference, House representatives emphasized that their actions complied with constitutional mandates and called the Senate’s recent directives “confusing.” They also confirmed plans to seek formal clarification.
Vice President Duterte was impeached earlier this year over accusations involving corruption, abuse of power, and an alleged assassination plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., her former political ally.
If convicted, Duterte faces removal from office and permanent disqualification from holding public office in the future.
“This process cannot be halted anymore. The impeachment court has already taken jurisdiction,” stated Congresswoman Gerville Luistro, citing the Senate's issuance of a summons to Duterte late Wednesday as a clear sign of progress. “The House cannot withdraw the impeachment case—it’s not permitted under the Constitution.”
On Tuesday night, the Senate voted 18-5 to remand the case back to the House, asking it to verify that no constitutional violation had occurred by considering three impeachment complaints before settling on one. Under the Philippine Constitution, a public official can only be subjected to impeachment once within a 12-month period.
Representative Ysabel Maria Zamora defended the process, explaining that the final impeachment complaint combined elements from the earlier ones into a single, unified case.
The Senate also demanded guarantees that the trial would continue after new lawmakers take office on June 30. House prosecutors dismissed this as impractical, arguing they cannot commit future legislators to current proceedings.
Senate Vote Seen as Political Strategy
Former senator and human rights lawyer Leila de Lima commented that the Senate’s actions were likely influenced by political calculation, describing it as a move for “political survival.”
“The Dutertes remain a powerful political force—even with the former president detained by the ICC,” she said. “Some senators may be protecting their future electoral interests.”
Rodrigo Duterte, Sara's father and former president, is currently in custody at The Hague, facing charges related to the war on drugs during his administration.
Many believe Sara Duterte remains a strong contender for the presidency in 2028, which makes the outcome of her impeachment all the more politically charged.
Congresswoman France Castro echoed this sentiment, stating, “The Senate appears to be shielding their own political ambitions.”
When asked if he thought the Senate was intentionally slowing the process, Congressman Keith Flores didn’t mince words: “I can’t speak for all, but personally, yes—I believe so.”
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