House prosecutors are prepared to elevate Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment case to the Supreme Court if the Senate decides to dismiss it.
At the Saturday News Forum, Atty. Antonio Audie Bucoy, spokesperson for the House Prosecution Panel, said the Supreme Court would be their “last resort,” stressing it’s the only body that can determine if the Senate’s move is constitutional.
Bucoy’s remarks came after Duterte pleaded “not guilty” to the impeachment complaint, which she dismissed as a “scrap of paper.” Her legal team also filed a motion to dismiss the case, citing a constitutional rule that bars more than one impeachment complaint per year.
The House prosecutors, however, countered that the gravity of the charges—including betrayal of public trust, graft, and threats against top government officials—merits a full trial.
If the Senate sides with Duterte, Bucoy said they would file a petition for certiorari and mandamus with the Supreme Court, claiming the Senate acted with “grave abuse of discretion.” He explained this could compel the Senate to proceed with the trial.
Senate President Francis Escudero previously clarified that motions like dismissal aren’t barred by the Constitution or impeachment rules. Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa had earlier proposed dismissing the case, but it was revised to refer the complaint back to the House for additional certifications.
Bucoy warned that refusing to heed a Supreme Court ruling could spark a “constitutional crisis,” though he said he doubts the Senate would ignore a court order.
Despite the political tensions, Bucoy reiterated the House panel’s commitment to due process: “What’s important to us is that a trial happens. Even if she’s acquitted, at least we’ve shown the public our evidence.”
As for whether the panel will ask certain senator-judges to inhibit themselves for alleged bias, Bucoy said there’s currently no consensus on that move, adding it might complicate the situation further.
Vice President Duterte continues to deny all charges, which include the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds and threats against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.