VP Sara Duterte requests Senate dismissal of impeachment complaint

Vice President Sara Duterte formally requested the Senate impeachment court on Monday to dismiss the verified impeachment complaint against her for violating the one-year bar rule under the 1987 Constitution.

Duterte's legal team asserts that the impeachment complaint should be dismissed due to a lack of factual basis and ultimate facts, describing it as a 'clear abuse' of power.

In her reply submitted on June 23, Duterte argued that without the articles of impeachment present in the chamber, she cannot be compelled to answer the allegations against her, filing an ad cautelam (with caution) response.

Duterte entered a 'not guilty' plea and called the fourth impeachment complaint a 'scrap of paper,' arguing it violates the one-year bar rule and lacks factual grounds.

The House prosecution panel spokesperson Atty. Antonio Audie Bucoy stated Tuesday that Duterte's reply lacks factual and legal grounds to address the allegations, and assured that the House will file its formal reply and remain ready for a full trial.

Duterte also denied the evidence attached to the complaint saying they are 'false, misleading, impertinent, and mere conclusions of fact and law', asserting that there are no articles of impeachment with the Senate sitting as an Impeachment Court.