OSG reps Senate in SC on VP Duterte’s impeachment

The Office of the Solicitor General will represent the Senate in petitions filed with the Supreme Court regarding the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, as confirmed by Senate President Francis Escudero on Wednesday.

Escudero stated that he has referred a petition from Duterte's allies to halt the Senate proceedings and another mandamus petition urging immediate convening of the impeachment court to the OSG, which will handle these cases.

Davao City councilors have filed a separate petition for certiorari before the SC, while Vice President Duterte herself has submitted a similar petition challenging the validity and constitutionality of the impeachment complaint.

Escudero noted that although a draft advisory was prepared by the Senate legal team, it will be forwarded to the OSG only for their information and consideration.

The Supreme Court spokesperson Camille Ting said on Tuesday that the High Court requires the Senate to comment within 10 days upon receipt of notice, treating the petition as urgent.

While preparations are ongoing, Escudero emphasized there is no clamor for immediate convening of the impeachment court despite some people asking for it.