The House prosecutors are continuing to advance the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte, despite challenges and a decision by the Supreme Court that dismissed the case. According to prosecution panel spokesperson Antonio Bucoy, they are preparing for possible oral arguments on the motion for reconsideration they filed.
If the Supreme Court ultimately rejects the appeal, Bucoy said he expects a new impeachment complaint to be filed against Duterte come February, after a one-year ban. He stressed that accountability is important so as not to set a bad example for the government.
Bucoy also denied that the impeachment was fabricated and insisted that it was a formal complaint signed by 215 members of Congress — more than the required ₱102 (equivalent to one-third of the number of members). He also criticized the Supreme Court for allegedly “changing” the Constitution in their decision.
Despite Duterte's influence in the Senate, Bucoy said it was important that they presented evidence against the Vice President. He added that the impeachment process, which should be simple according to the Constitution, has become too complicated.
Meanwhile, Duterte said he is ready to answer the allegations at the right place and time. “If there is a complaint in the right forum, we will give an explanation,” Duterte said in an interview in Davao City.
