House panel studying VP Duterte's response, will file reply within five days

A member of the House prosecution panel stated on Tuesday that they are studying Vice President Sara Duterte's response to the articles of impeachment and will file a reply within five days.

Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, an impeachment prosecutor, said the arguments raised in Duterte's Answer Ad Cautelam were not unexpected and the prosecution team is prepared to respond.

Gutierrez asserted that there is legal and factual basis for saying that the House of Representatives' impeachment proceedings comply with the 1987 Constitution.

Despite concerns over technicalities from Assistant Majority Leader Jude Acidre and Deputy Minority Leader France Castro, Gutierrez emphasized the readiness of the prosecution team.

The House prosecution expects to file its reply before the Senate impeachment court earlier than the five-day period given.