Rep. Zamora questions VP Duterte's Senate summons response

San Juan Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora questioned the legal basis for Vice President Sara Duterte's response to a Senate summons, particularly concerning the impeachment articles sent back to the House of Representatives.

Zamora highlighted that the summons required Duterte's defense team to respond to accusations in the impeachment articles, creating confusion about which specific accusations she would address since the articles are no longer with the Senate.

She asserted that the Senate, as the impeachment court, lacks the constitutional authority to return or remand articles of impeachment, emphasizing they must accompany any summons.

Vice President Sara Duterte confirmed that her defense team is preparing a response to the summons, which requires her to file an answer within 10 days.

The Senate has voted to return the articles of impeachment to the House of Representatives, requesting certification regarding the one-year ban on impeachment complaints and assurance of the House's readiness to pursue the complaint.

In response, the House of Representatives has deferred accepting the impeachment articles while seeking clarification from the Senate impeachment court on its requests.