The Supreme Court (SC) has directed the House of Representatives, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, and the Senate to submit their comments on a petition filed by Vice President Sara Duterte which seeks to halt her impeachment case.

In an en banc session on Tuesday, SC spokesperson Camille Ting confirmed the Court has instructed the respondents to comment on the petition within a non-extendible period of 10 days from notice.

The petition was filed on behalf of Vice President Duterte and seeks a temporary restraining order (TRO) to stop the Senate from proceeding with her impeachment trial.

Although the SC did not issue a TRO, the Court’s directive to the respondents marks an important step in the legal proceedings surrounding the vice president’s petition.

The petition requested the Court to intervene and stop the Senate from pursuing her impeachment trial, arguing that the process was constitutionally flawed.

The SC’s action did not extend to another petition filed by Mindanao-based lawyers and individuals, led by Israelito Torreon and Martin Delgra, which mirrored the legal arguments posed by the Vice President.

Ting confirmed that while the Mindanao petition was discussed during the en banc session, no decision was made on it. Instead, the Court will consider whether to consolidate the cases. The petitions from both Vice President Duterte and the Mindanao lawyers were filed last week, but the Court has so far only acted on the Vice President’s plea.

In the House of Representatives, Rep. Jil Bongalon of the Ako Bicol Partylist, who is part of the prosecution panel in the impeachment case, said they have not received a copy of the Supreme Court’s order.

He assured, however, that the House would comply with the SC’s directive and respond accordingly within the given timeframe.

The legal battle over Duterte’s impeachment case comes amid increasing political tensions, with the Vice President asserting that the proceedings are politically motivated.

This latest development places the impeachment process under closer judicial scrutiny, highlighting the significant role of the Supreme Court in balancing the powers of the executive, legislature and the courts.

Pimentel pushes for impeach trial

In a related development, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III urged Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino to begin preparations for the impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte, emphasizing that the Senate’s constitutional duty should take precedence over an election campaign.

Pimentel called for immediate action on the impeachment guidelines, stressing that the Senate must act swiftly and seriously on the complaint, as mandated by the Constitution. He also said the Senate could convene an impeachment court even during their break, which is separate from the legislative session.