Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said Wednesday that the House of Representatives is obligated to comply with the impeachment court’s order to accept the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Escudero, who is presiding over the Senate impeachment court, clarified that in impeachment proceedings, the roles are not equal—the Senate acts as the court while the House functions as the prosecutor. He stressed that the House cannot refuse the directive.
“In an impeachment trial, the Senate serves as the court and the House is the prosecution. The House has no grounds to ignore an order from the impeachment court,” Escudero stated in a press briefing.
He emphasized that this is not a bicameral setup requiring agreement, but a court process in which the prosecutor must follow the court’s instructions.
Meanwhile, Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Roberto Ancan was seen delivering documents at the House of Representatives, likely related to the summons earlier served to VP Duterte at her office in Mandaluyong City. The Office of the Vice President confirmed receipt of the summons.
However, House prosecutor and San Juan City Rep. Ysabel Maria “Bel” Zamora questioned the Senate’s move to remand the case, claiming the Senate does not have the power to return the articles to the House. She argued that the Senate’s role is solely to try and decide on the impeachment case.
Escudero maintained the Senate had acted within the scope of the law and fulfilled its role appropriately, despite delays. “We did what we committed to do, and ultimately, the delay caused no harm to either party,” he said.
The House impeached Duterte in February with over 200 lawmakers supporting the complaint, which includes charges of betrayal of public trust, constitutional violations, corruption, and other serious offenses.