Vice President Sara Duterte has taken legal action against the fourth impeachment complaint filed against her, petitioning the Supreme Court to intervene in what she claims are due process violations and constitutional concerns.
Duterte’s petition for certiorari and prohibition, which includes an urgent request for a temporary restraining order, was filed on February 18, according to reports from GMA Integrated News. The respondents in the case include the House of Representatives, represented by Speaker Martin Romualdez; the Senate, led by Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero; and House Secretary General Reginald Velasco.
The petition, filed by the law firm Fortun, Narvasa & Salazar, urges the High Court to review the validity of the impeachment complaint, which was endorsed by over one-third of the House of Representatives before being transmitted to the Senate. The Senate, however, adjourned without addressing the matter, with Escudero stating that the impeachment trial will likely begin after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address on July 21.
Duterte has previously dismissed calls for her resignation and said she will not attend the impeachment proceedings if convened, asserting that her absence is within legal bounds. Meanwhile, a separate petition has been filed at the Supreme Court seeking to halt the Senate from proceeding with the trial, while another asks the Court to compel the Senate to immediately convene as an impeachment court.
The impeachment complaint against Duterte includes allegations of conspiracy to assassinate top officials, misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds, corruption in the Department of Education, unexplained wealth, and involvement in extrajudicial killings, among others.
Despite the mounting legal challenges, Duterte has maintained that she welcomes the impeachment process, as it gives her the chance to address the accusations against her.
