OSG refuses to answer SC questions on Sara Duterte impeachment

The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), legal counsel for the House of Representatives, has refused to answer three specific questions from the Supreme Court concerning the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

The OSG cited the principle of separation of powers, asserting that the queries pertain to internal congressional matters beyond the Supreme Court's scope.

The specific questions the OSG declined to answer include details about the preparation and completion date of the impeachment articles, when they were circulated to House members, and whether evidence was attached.

Additionally, the House, through the OSG, refused to comment on whether lawmakers had adequate time to review the charges and evidence, deeming it a subjective assessment.

The House emphasized that as a co-equal branch of government, Congress is entitled to respect for its internal proceedings.

The OSG stated that any further inquiry into the House's internal proceedings, absent a constitutional basis, is unwarranted.

To address potential doubts, the House invoked Resolution 328, submitted to the Senate impeachment court on June 25.