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‘A trial is not only warranted but necessary to reinforce justice, uphold democratic principles, and affirm that no individual stands above the law,’ prosecutors say in their filing before the impeachment court
MANILA, Philippines – The prosecution team formally countered Vice President Sara Duterte‘s arguments in her official answer to her impeachment case, accusing the top leader of spewing falsehoods and deliberately trying to delay her trial.
In its filing before the impeachment court on Friday, June 27, the prosecution panel asserted that the public has a “fundamental right to witness” the process commence without a “bloodbath” — reference to the Vice President’s earlier remarks.
It called on the impeachment court to reject Duterte’s plea to have the case dismissed.
“The severity of the charges leaves no room for technical evasion,” the reply read.
Here’s how the prosecution answered Duterte’s claims:
- On the claim that the impeachment court is not in possession of impeachment articles because they were remanded to the House: The prosecution pointed out that Duterte acknowledged receiving the articles, and even filed her answer to it.
- On the claim that her impeachment violated the Constitution: The prosecution asserted that the only impeachment complaint “initiated” by the House was the fourth one approved in February, and not the three petitions filed in December, so there was no circumvention of the Constitution’s one-year bar.
- On Duterte’s point that impeachment proceedings cannot carry over to the 20th Congress: The prosecution accused Duterte of modifying a Supreme Court decision to fit her agenda, when it has been supposedly established that the Senate is a continuing body that can carry out non-legislative functions from one Congress to another.
- On Duterte’s claim that the allegations against her were unsubstantiated: The prosecution insisted that the impeachment articles are based on facts and evidentiary matters.
“Respondent Duterte continues to perpetuate falsehood, deception, and injustice by resorting to mislead this Honorable Impeachment Court with inaccuracies and false contentions,” the reply read.
Duterte was impeached on the grounds of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.
She was accused of plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., misusing confidential funds, bribing government officials, and being involved in extrajudicial killings in Davao City, among others.
“These articles of impeachment highlight respondent Duterte’s unfitness for public office,” the reply read.
“A trial is not only warranted but necessary to reinforce justice, uphold democratic principles, and affirm that no individual…stands above the law,” it added.
The fate of the trial is uncertain, after Senate President Chiz Escudero said the Senate of the 20th Congress can dismiss the trial by a majority vote. – Rappler.com
