MANILA, Philippines — A third petition has been filed before the Supreme Court of the Philippines seeking to stop the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte in the House of Representatives of the Philippines.
The petition, submitted Friday, was initiated by 14 individuals, including former Commission on Higher Education commissioner Ronald Adamat. They questioned the legality of the process, alleging that it violates constitutional requirements and could be used for political persecution.
Also backing the petition are members of the One Bangsamoro Movement and a group of lawyers led by Jerryl Rondez-Layog. This follows earlier filings by Duterte herself and her counsel Israelito Torreon.
Petitioners are asking the high court to issue a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction against the House committee on justice, arguing that not all lawmakers were furnished copies of the impeachment complaints—an alleged lapse that undermines proper deliberation.
The Supreme Court has ordered the House to respond within 10 days but has yet to issue any directive halting the proceedings.
House justice committee chair Gerville Luistro maintained that the process remains compliant with the Constitution and House rules, adding that hearings will proceed unless restrained by the court.
Meanwhile, Joel Chua described the petition as a delaying move, while Leila de Lima criticized Duterte’s camp for repeatedly seeking Supreme Court intervention.
The House panel is currently evaluating evidence to determine whether the complaints should be elevated for a plenary vote.
ia/xf
