House panel threatens SC action if Senate dismisses VP Duterte impeachment case

The House of Representatives Prosecution Panel indicated that they would take the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte to the Supreme Court if the Senate dismisses it.

Atty. Antonio Audie Bucoy, spokesperson for the prosecution panel, stated during a Saturday News Forum that the SC is the final arbiter on constitutional issues and that they may file petitions for certiorari and mandamus should the Senate dismiss the case without trial.

Vice President Duterte filed a 'not guilty' plea and argued in her 35-page answer ad cautelam submitted to the Senate impeachment court that the case should be dismissed due to violating the one-year bar rule under the Constitution.

The House prosecution team requested the Senate impeachment court to reject Duterte's bid to dismiss the case, emphasizing the need for a full trial given the severity of the charges.

Bucoy warned of a 'constitutional crisis' if the Senate does not follow the SC's decision and stressed the importance of proceeding with the trial to present evidence to the public.

Duterte faces accusations including betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, among others over alleged misuse of funds and threats against government officials.