House: Impeach process followed Constitution, jurisprudence

The House of Representatives dismissed allegations that it acted in bad faith in handling the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, insisting that all actions taken were in full accordance with the Constitution, the House's internal rules and existing jurisprudence.

- By JOSE RODEL CLAPANO

"The House of Representatives maintained its position, all actions it has taken pertaining to the Articles of Impeachment against VP Sara Duterte is based on the provisions of the Constitution, House internal rules and prevailing jurisprudence. There was no bad faith when you follow the provisions," House spokesperson Princess Abante and House prosecution panel spokesman Antonio Audie Bucoy said in a joint statement.

Abante further noted that even the recent Supreme Court ruling on the case of Vice President Duterte acknowledged the House's adherence to constitutional timelines.

"Even the Supreme Court decision in the Duterte case, it is said that the timeline required by the Constitution was followed," Abante said.

Abante said the only difference with the SC's ruling in the Duterte case was its incorrect appreciation of the facts based on actual House records.

"This has to be corrected, this has to be explained and hopefully the Supreme Court will have the chance to see in the House of Representatives' motion for reconsideration that all the actions taken by the House are correct and under the Constitution," Abante said.