Supreme Court presses Congress for details on Duterte impeachment trial

The Supreme Court has directed both the Senate and the House of Representatives to submit detailed comments and information related to the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, intensifying legal scrutiny over the controversial proceedings.

In a notice dated 8 July, the Supreme Court En Banc consolidated two petitions: one filed by Duterte challenging the validity and constitutionality of the fourth impeachment complaint against her, and another filed by lawyer Israelito Torreon and other petitioners seeking to declare the resulting articles of impeachment null and void.

The high tribunal has ordered the House to provide updates on the status of the first three impeachment complaints filed against the Vice President, including the exact dates they were endorsed and whether the House secretary general has the discretion to decide when these complaints should be transmitted to the Speaker.

The Supreme Court also asked the House to clarify the legal basis and authority that would allow the secretary general to refuse the transmittal of any impeachment complaints.

In addition, the justices asked whether members of the House were given enough time to thoroughly review the charges and supporting evidence before giving their consent, and if the impeachment case was included in the official order of business for plenary consideration.

The first three impeachment complaints were filed in December 2024, all tied to allegations surrounding the misuse of confidential funds.

However, it was the fourth impeachment complaint that gained traction after more than a third of House lawmakers endorsed it, leading to its formal transmission to the Senate for trial.

The Senate was likewise asked to submit information on which committee drafted the articles of impeachment and the exact date of completion.

The justices also want to know if Duterte was given a chance to respond to the evidence shared with House members before the endorsement proceeded.

The Supreme Court gave both the Senate and the House a non-extendible deadline of ten days from receipt of notice to comply with its directives.