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VP Sara loses right to reply if summons ignored — Carpio
Vice President Sara Duterte would lose her right to answer should she fail to submit her reply to the summons issued by the Senate impeachment court when it convened on June 10, former associate justice Antonio Carpio said Sunday.
“Kapag hindi siya mag-file ng answer niya, waived niya 'yung right niya to submit an answer. It will not stop the proceedings,” Carpio told Super Radyo dzBB.
“Pwede naman siyang mag-present ng evidence, pero she lost the right to file an answer,” he added.
LIVE sa DZBB: Justice Antonio Carpio, former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice
— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) June 22, 2025
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(If she failed to file her reply, she waives her right to submit her answer. It will not stop the proceedings. She can present evidence but she lost her right to file an answer.)
The 10 days that the impeachment court gave Duterte to answer the summons ended on June 21, but since it fell on a Saturday, her camp may file the reply until Monday.
Senate impeachment court spokesperson Atty. Regie Tongol earlier said the impeachment proceedings will push through even if Duterte does not comply with the writ of summons.
Carpio shared the same sentiments but noted that it is still up to the Senate of the 20th Congress if they will allow Duterte to present evidence past the deadline.
“It's up to the next Senate whether to allow her to present evidence or not. But that is the consequence if you are in default,” Carpio said.
He believes Duterte would comply with the writ of summons.
“I think she will file an answer. They will have to file an answer. Otherwise, that would be prejudicial to their client. I don't see them not filing an answer,” Carpio said.
Proceed with the impeachment trial
Carpio also said the Supreme Court can order the Senate of the 20th Congress to proceed with the impeachment court.
“I don't see any reason why the Senate of the 20th Congress will not comply. They will comply the moment that the Supreme Court will say na tuloy ang trial (the trial will proceed),” Carpio said.
“I'm sure there will be a trial. Ang importante ay ang pag-subpoena ng bank records. Dun mag-lalabanan. May power ang impeachment court to subpoena,” he added.
(I'm sure there will be a trial. The subpoena of the bank records is important. The impeachment court has the power to issue a subpoena.)
Duterte’s impeachment complaint includes issues surrounding the use of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, and alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings in Davao City.
The complaint also includes her “assassination” remarks against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez. —RF, GMA Integrated News
