House prosecutors defend Duterte impeachment constitutionality

Metro Manila, Philippines - Lawmaker-prosecutors have defended the constitutionality of the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte in light of the Supreme Court (SC) that challenged the action of the House of Representatives.

In separate statements, the representatives said their complaint, which was signed by 215 out 306 members, followed the law.

“It is clear in our Constitution that Congress shall promulgate its own rules on impeachment. And to be precise, we followed word for word the rules of the 19th Congress of the Philippines insofar as the verification is concerned,” Batangas Rep. Jinky Luistro said.

“This is a clear sign that the vice president is afraid to face the evidence against her. If she truly believes she is innocent, why is she running to the Supreme Court instead of preparing her defense before the Senate? This move reeks of desperation,” said Ako Bicol Rep. Jil Bongalon.

“There was no grave abuse of discretion, there was no lack of due process, in coming up with the fourth impeachment complaint,” San Juan City Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora said in an interview.

Iloilo Rep. Lorenz Defensor, meanwhile, said he believes that the SC will observe “judicial restraint” on the petitions.

“It (petition) will not interfere with the impeachment process,” Defensor said.

On Tuesday, Feb. 18, two petitions for certiorari and prohibition were filed, asking the SC to issue a temporary restraining order or writ of injunction to stop the impending impeachment trial. Duterte herself is the complainant in one of the petitions.

House Secretary General Reginald Velasco said the chamber has yet to receive a copy of the petitions.

The 11-man prosecution team is preparing for the impeachment trial which might begin in July.