House to Senate: Summon VP Duterte, face impeachment raps
Agpoon, Dexter
March 25, 2025
QUEZON, Philippines — House of Representatives Minority Leader Marcelino C. Libanan and 1-Rider Partylist Representative Ramon Rodrigo L. Gutierrez called the Senate on Monday to summon Vice President Sara Duterte to answer the impeachment charges issued against her.
Libanan headed the prosecution panel and filed an entry of appearance including a motion to formally summon VP Duterte after submitting letters to the Senate and signing impeachment documents on behalf of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, March 25.
During the press conference at the House Media Center, 4P’s Rep. Libanan as head of the prosecution panel emphasized the 10-day period limit for the Vice President to respond in accordance with the Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials of the Senate.
The prosecution panel secured their stand in the process of impeachment hearings, where Libanan clarified that “The [impeachment] process and proceedings shall start forthwith, right away and without delay since it is legally sound.” when asked about the immediacy of the hearing after filing a complaint to the Senate.
“The reason for pursuing this case is to prevent further harm, uphold the laws indicated in the Constitution, maintain public trust, preserve institutional integrity, and set a precedent to deter future misconduct of high public officials”, Rep. Libanan added.
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Meanwhile, Rep. Gutierrez stated that the provisions provided such as the Rules of Procedure on Impeachment Trials of the Senate are enough to convince the Senate legal team and the Senate President Chiz Escudero.
The 1-Rider Representative also mentioned that the filing was temporarily postponed then, due to the last Senate hearing on Thursday, March 20, but resumed the process on Monday.
Gutierrez further claimed that in relation to the timeline, the motion filed by the prosecution through Hon. Libanan can be considered as one of the preparatory steps that can call the Senate to legally tackle the matter and prepare for the trial.
Libanan also stated that the proposed schedule for the impeachment, June 4, is too far, paving way for any circumstances that can prolong the process instead of speeding up the proceedings.
The 4P’s Representative also denied the questions circulating whether the House of Representatives is putting pressure on the Senate to summon VP Duterte, claiming that “They are just doing their job as the prosecution panel.”
Hon. Gutierrez also clarified that the Vice President can do formal filing to the court via consulate to respond to the issue of summons if she cannot personally attend, but Rep. Libanan stated that the 10-day period starts the day Duterte receives the issuance of summons.
Libanan also dodged the inquiries about whether the prosecution panel were responsible for the recently conducted mock trial, dismissing the allegations with “no comment”.
Both representatives assured that the briefing will be accomplished regardless of the campaigning season, stating that it is their duty to lead the prosecution panel for the matter.
Libanan claimed that through guidelines and proper executions, the process of impeachment shall continue regardless of the House Recess.
