Senate returns impeachment articles against VP Sara Duterte to House

On Tuesday night, the Senate voted 18-5 to return the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives without dismissing them.

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez described the Senate's decision as 'deeply concerning,' emphasizing that the House acted with deliberate care and followed legal procedures in presenting the articles.

The House adopted a resolution on Wednesday night certifying that the impeachment proceedings fully complied with the constitution, including the filings of the first three complaints.

House prosecutor Gerville Luistro said the lower chamber is seeking clarity from the Senate regarding why the articles were returned to them and whether it adheres to constitutional requirements.

Luistro also questioned the Senate's cancellation of the presentation of the Articles of Impeachment, citing that the Senate Rules of Impeachment require the reading of the Articles before convening an impeachment court.

The fate of the proceedings remains uncertain as the House seeks clarification from the Senate on how to proceed with the case, which includes questions about political neutrality and possible recusal of senators.