MANILA – Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega on Tuesday said the House of Representatives expects Vice President Sara Duterte to directly answer the impeachment charges filed against her instead of resorting to motions that could slow down the proceedings.
According to Ortega, the House is awaiting Duterte’s formal response as required by the Senate impeachment court.
“We are hoping to receive an answer, not a motion to dismiss,” he said.
The Vice President was given a non-extendible 10-day period to submit her response, with the deadline set on June 1. The House prosecution team, in turn, will be allowed five calendar days to file its reply afterward.
Ortega said any effort by Duterte’s legal team to seek dismissal of the impeachment complaint or request the Senate court to suspend proceedings pending a Supreme Court decision would likely be viewed as a delaying move.
He added that the Senate impeachment court has so far handled the case swiftly and is unlikely to entertain unnecessary delays.
The House leader also challenged Duterte to take the opportunity to answer the accusations during the impeachment trial, noting that she had not participated in previous House proceedings related to the complaint.
“She now has the chance to explain her side before the public,” Ortega said.
Duterte is facing multiple allegations in the impeachment complaint, including undeclared wealth, alleged irregularities in her SALNs, supposed threats against top government officials, corruption and bribery claims involving Education department personnel, and alleged misuse of government funds.
House prosecutors previously said they are prepared to present evidence, including an Anti-Money Laundering Council report covering financial transactions linked to Duterte and her husband from her years in Davao City government service until 2024.
ia/xf
