THE House of Representatives prosecution panel has firmly rejected any possibility of withdrawing the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, even if the Senate were to return them, San Juan Representative Ysabel Maria Zamora declared on Friday.
Zamora categorically stated that such actions, along with outright dismissal of the complaint without a trial, would be unconstitutional. She emphasized the legal mandate for the Senate, as the impeachment court, to proceed directly with the hearing of the complaint once it has been received.
Representative Zamora highlighted the lack of any legal basis for the Senate to dismiss the impeachment complaint or for the House to withdraw it.
She cited the constitutional provision stipulating that the Senate must hear the articles of impeachment upon receipt, leaving no room for the actions suggested.
This underscores the seriousness with which the House is approaching the impeachment process and its commitment to upholding constitutional procedures. The House panel’s stance emphasizes a determination to see the impeachment process through to its conclusion, regardless of potential procedural maneuvers.
The House prosecution panel, according to Representative Zamora, is currently focused on preparations for the impending impeachment trial. Batangas Representative Gerville Luistro has been designated to formally present the articles of impeachment before the Senate on June 11th, with all eleven House prosecutors scheduled to attend.
This demonstrates the panel’s readiness to proceed with the trial and present their case against the Vice President. The unwavering commitment to the impeachment process suggests a belief in the validity of the charges and a determination to ensure a thorough and fair trial.
