The House prosecution panel formally filed an Entry of Appearance with a Motion to Issue Summons before the Senate this morning, requesting Senate President Francis Escudero to issue a writ of summons to Vice President Sara Duterte.
According to sources, the panel is asking the Senate to direct Vice President Duterte to file her official answer to the Articles of Impeachment within 10 days from receipt of the writ. The motion emphasizes that the 10-day period is non-extendible, ensuring a timely response to the charges raised by the House of Representatives.
The filing follows the House of Representatives’ approval of the Articles of Impeachment against the Vice President, citing alleged violations that warrant her removal from office. The charges reportedly include accusations related to the misuse of confidential funds and abuse of authority, which have sparked intense public debate and political division.
Legal experts point out that the issuance of a writ of summons is a procedural step that formally notifies the respondent of the charges and provides an opportunity to present a defense. Once the writ is issued, Vice President Duterte is expected to respond to the allegations in writing.
Senate President Escudero is now tasked with evaluating the motion and deciding on the issuance of the summons. If granted, the Senate will officially notify Vice President Duterte and commence the next phase of the impeachment process.
In a brief statement, House prosecutors expressed their intent to uphold constitutional processes, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency. “We are committed to ensuring that the impeachment proceedings are conducted fairly and by the law,” a spokesperson for the panel stated.
Meanwhile, allies of Vice President Duterte have denounced the move, calling it a political maneuver aimed at undermining her leadership. They maintain that the allegations are baseless and politically motivated.
As the nation watches closely, the Senate’s decision on the motion to issue the writ of summons will likely set the tone for the upcoming impeachment trial. Analysts predict that the proceedings will be highly contentious, with both sides preparing for an intense legal and political battle.
The Senate has yet to announce a timeline for its decision, but the next steps in the impeachment process are expected to unfold in the coming days.