As tensions rise over the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, the House of Representatives is standing firm on its constitutional mandate—asserting that it acted within the bounds of the law and its internal rules when it accepted and processed several impeachment complaints.
In a statement, House spokesperson Atty. Princess Abante expressed optimism that the Supreme Court will recognize and respect the lower chamber’s authority as a co-equal branch of government. “We are hopeful that the Supreme Court will see the wisdom in the actions of the House, which were made in full compliance with the Constitution,” she said.
House asserts sole Constitutional power to initiate impeachment
Abante stressed that, under the 1987 Constitution, the initiation of impeachment proceedings lies exclusively with the House of Representatives. “This process is grounded in our internal rules and is part of the legislative powers explicitly granted to the House,” she explained.
She added that the House complied with the ten-session-day rule in handling the first three impeachment complaints against the Vice President, which were filed by private individuals and transmitted to the Speaker’s office accordingly. “People often confuse calendar days with session days,” Abante clarified. “But under House rules, we followed the proper timing.”
SC asks for details, House responds
The Supreme Court earlier directed the House to provide detailed information about the handling of the complaints, including when they were filed, when they were endorsed to the Speaker’s office, and when they were officially included in the Order of Business. The High Court also questioned whether the House Secretary General had discretion on when to transmit the complaints.
The House, in its formal reply, clarified that all actions taken regarding the complaints were within its rules and legal framework. The fourth impeachment complaint, according to Abante, was signed by 215 members of the House and transmitted to the Senate after proper procedure.
Due process for VP Duterte
One of the key concerns raised by the Supreme Court was whether Vice President Duterte was given the chance to respond to the charges and present her side. Abante assured the public and the Court that due process was observed throughout the proceedings.
“The House made sure that the Vice President’s right to due process was respected at every stage,” she said.
The Office of the Solicitor General, representing the House in the case, filed the required compliance through the Philippine Judiciary Portal on Friday. A hard copy was scheduled for submission on Monday. The Supreme Court has since uploaded the document on its official website for transparency.
A battle of branches?
While the issue may seem like a legal technicality, it could become a test of the balance of power between the legislative and judicial branches. As the impeachment complaint against a sitting vice president unfolds, the lines between law, politics, and constitutional interpretation are once again being tested.
At the heart of it all, the House insists: it followed the rules. Now, it awaits the High Court’s judgment.