Senate can throw out VP Duterte's impeachment charges — Escudero

THE SENATE could dismiss the impeachment complaint against Vice-President (VP) Sara Duterte-Carpio if a motion is raised, its chief said on Wednesday, adding that no rules prevent senators from initiating such a move.

- By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Only 13 senators of the 24-member chamber are needed to back a motion to dismiss the impeachment charges, Senate President Francis G. Escudero told a media briefing.

“Where in the Constitution or the impeachment rules does it say that this kind of motion is prohibited?” he asked in Filipino.

“Show me the law or rule that says this kind of motion is prohibited. There’s no such banned motion, and there’s no forbidden request,” he added.

Ms. Duterte, who emerged as a contender in the 2028 presidential election, was impeached by the House of Representatives in February, facing a slew of accusations ranging from budget anomalies to plotting the assassination of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., his wife and the Speaker. She has denied any wrongdoing.

Her lawyers on Monday filed a response to the impeachment complaint, asking the charges to be dropped as she alleged that congressmen violated the prohibition against multiple impeachment proceedings when they impeached her.

She added the complaint, which she described as a “piece of scrap,” lacked factual basis.

“The Vice-President’s answer with a motion might be discussed,” said Mr. Escudero. “The impeachment court could defer its decision on it, or it might act on it.”