House defends impeachment process before SC

The House of Representatives has defended its impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte before the Supreme Court, asserting strict adherence to constitutional procedures.

In a compliance document sent to the Supreme Court, the House clarified the timeline and handling of impeachment complaints, addressing questions about the 10-session day period for inclusion in the Order of Business.

Retired Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio also defended the House, stating that lawmakers strictly followed constitutional requirements and cautioning the judiciary against overreach.

Carpio explained that the first three impeachment complaints were filed on December 2, 2024, and were included in the Order of Business on the 10th session day, which fell within the constitutionally mandated timeline despite a holiday recess.

The House stated that the Secretary General has discretion on when to transmit verified complaints and that submitting complaints filed on different days simultaneously is in accordance with jurisprudence.

It was clarified that transmitting complaints to the Speaker is an intermediate step and does not violate the mandatory 10-day period for inclusion in the Order of Business.

These initial complaints were rendered moot when the House plenary adopted a fourth complaint and transmitted it to the Senate as the official Articles of Impeachment.