Prosecution Team Says No Reply Needed to Duterte’s Answer, Awaits Trial Preparations
BY BENJAMIN CUARESMA
MANILA — The House prosecution panel handling the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte has signaled its recognition of the Senate’s new leadership, saying it is logical to follow the position adopted by the institution and other branches of government.
House Justice Committee Chairman Julienne Baronda and members of the prosecution panel said the recognition of the new Senate leadership is consistent with the position already taken by the House of Representatives.
The prosecutors also pointed out that Malacañang has likewise recognized Sherwin Gatchalian as the Senate’s new leader, reinforcing the legitimacy of the chamber’s current leadership structure.
Despite the leadership transition in the Senate, the prosecution panel clarified that it has yet to receive any formal communication from the new Senate leadership regarding preparations for the impeachment trial.
Still, the House prosecutors expressed confidence that the Senate would soon return to its regular course of business, allowing lawmakers to properly address procedural matters and move forward with the impeachment proceedings.
“We expect the institution to stabilize and resume normal operations so the impeachment court can begin addressing the necessary preparations for trial,” a member of the prosecution team said.
Meanwhile, the prosecution panel announced that it will no longer file a formal reply to Vice President Duterte’s answer to the Articles of Impeachment.
According to the prosecutors, Duterte’s response merely reiterated arguments and positions that have already been previously raised, making a further reply unnecessary.
Instead, the House prosecution team plans to submit a manifestation before the Senate impeachment court explaining why it has decided not to file an additional pleading.
The move is expected to streamline the proceedings as both sides await the Senate’s next steps in organizing and commencing the impeachment trial.
The impeachment case against Duterte remains one of the most closely watched political and legal developments in the country, with attention now focused on how the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, will proceed under its new leadership.
ia/xf
