The House of Representatives has not yet sent its certification confirming the constitutionality of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the Senate.
House Impeachment Prosecutor Ysabel Maria Zamora clarified that although House leadership agreed the Secretary General could issue the certification, there’s still no final decision to forward it to the Senate. “This doesn’t mean we’re defying the Senate’s directive — we’re only seeking clarification,” Zamora said in an ambush interview.
She emphasized that transmitting the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate already proves the House followed constitutional procedures. The resolution certifying this was adopted on the last session day of the 19th Congress.
Zamora also maintained that the Senate Impeachment Court has no authority to return the Articles of Impeachment to the House. “Our Constitution states that once the House transmits the articles, the Senate must proceed with the trial,” she asserted.
However, Senate President Chiz Escudero, who presides over the impeachment court, countered that the House must respect the court’s decision to return the articles. He stressed that all official communications should be made through legal pleadings — not press conferences or social media.
Zamora further expressed concern over the Senate’s cancellation of the presentation of the articles, noting the House wants written clarification to avoid potential procedural pitfalls.
Despite the uncertainty, Zamora appreciated House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s support, citing his closing speech that labeled the Senate’s actions as “deeply concerning.” She confirmed that the speaker has given the prosecution panel autonomy in handling the case.