SC asks Congress to comment, submit info on VP Sara impeachment trial

The Supreme Court (SC) has required the Senate of the Philippines and the House of Representatives to comment and submit information regarding the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

In a notice dated July 8, the SC En Banc consolidated the petition filed by Duterte against the validity and constitutionality of the fourth impeachment complaint against her and the petition filed by lawyer Israelito Torreon and others seeking to declare the articles of impeachment null and void.

The SC required the House to submit information regarding the status of the first three impeachment complaints filed against Duterte, the exact dates these were endorsed, and whether the secretary general possesses discretion on when to transmit these to the speaker of the House of Representatives.

Aside from this, the Court also asked the House to provide the basis and authority of the secretary general to refuse the transmittal of the complaints.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco confirmed receipt of the notice.

"The matter has been forwarded to appropriate offices and has taken note of the directive," he said.

Meanwhile, the Senate Impeachment Court spokesperson Atty. Reggie Tongol said the Senate will now prepare its response.

"The Senate remains dedicated to respecting the judicial process and the sub judice rule on this matter, that is why it will prudently refrain from giving any further comments in public - as should all parties," Tongol said.

The Office of the Vice President also confirmed receipt of the notice.

The SC asked whether the members of the House had the time to peruse the charges and evidence on the articles before affixing their consent and whether it was included in the order of business of the House of Representatives for consideration of the plenary.

To recall, three impeachment complaints were filed against Duterte in December 2024, all of which were connected with the alleged misuse of confidential funds.

It was the fourth impeachment complaint that was endorsed by over one-third of lawmakers from the House of Representatives, and was later transmitted to the Senate.

Meanwhile, the SC asked the Senate to provide which committee prepared the draft of the articles of impeachment and when it was completed. 

It also asked the Senate whether Duterte was given the opportunity to be heard on the evidence shared with the members of the House.

The SC said the respondents are given a non-extendible period of 10 days from notice. —LDF, GMA Integrated News