House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan (2nd right) and 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez (left), members of the 11-man House prosecution panel in the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte lead the filing of entry of appearance with a motion to issue summons at the Senate on Tuesday (March 25, 2025). Also in photo are Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. (center), House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V of La Union (right) and House Assistant Majority Leader Jay Khonghun of Zambales (2nd left).
HOUSE prosecutors have filed a motion with the Senate to compel Vice President Sara Duterte to answer the impeachment raps filed against her.
The move, spearheaded by House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan and 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, members of the 11-man House prosecution panel, signifies a significant escalation in the impeachment proceedings. The filing, which includes an entry of appearance and a motion to issue summons, was submitted to the Senate on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
The prosecution panel’s action underscores their determination to pursue the impeachment case vigorously. The filing of the motion to compel a response suggests that the prosecutors believe Vice President Duterte has thus far failed to adequately address the serious allegations leveled against her. This lack of response, in their view, hinders the Senate’s ability to conduct a fair and thorough impeachment trial.
The presence of several key figures from the House of Representatives at the filing further emphasizes the seriousness with which the impeachment case is being pursued.
The inclusion of House Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V and House Assistant Majority Leader Jay Khonghun highlights the bipartisan nature of the effort, suggesting a broad consensus within the House to hold the Vice President accountable.
The participation of Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. in the proceedings underscores the Senate’s role in overseeing this crucial constitutional process.
The specific details of the impeachment raps and the reasons why the prosecution believes a compelled response is necessary remain to be fully disclosed.
However, the filing of this motion suggests that the allegations are considered substantial enough to warrant a direct and forceful response from the Vice President. The Senate’s response to the motion will be a critical next step in determining the future course of the impeachment proceedings.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of this high-stakes political battle.
The Senate’s decision on the motion to compel a response will set the stage for the next phase of the impeachment trial, potentially leading to a full-blown trial or, alternatively, a dismissal of the charges. The nation watches closely as this significant constitutional process unfolds.
