Legal counsel for Vice President Sara Duterte expressed readiness to face a Senate trial on Monday after the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to impeach her for the second time, officially transmitting the articles of impeachment to the upper chamber.
The lopsided 255-26 vote, with nine abstentions, easily cleared the constitutional requirement of 106 votes to elevate the case.
Following the plenary action, the House formally moved the proceedings to the Senate, which is mandated to convene as an impeachment court.
“We are aware of the action taken by the plenary and with that vote to transmit the articles of impeachment,” said Michael Poa, one of the Vice President’s lead lawyers.
Poa emphasized that the transition to the Senate shifts the legal responsibility to those seeking Duterte’s removal, noting that the defense is prepared to scrutinize the evidence presented.
“The burden now rests on the accusers to substantiate their claims in accordance with the Constitution, the law, and rules on evidence,” he stated.
The Vice President’s camp continues to challenge the process through the judiciary, with pending petitions in the Supreme Court seeking to halt the proceedings. These include filings by Duterte herself and a separate petition led by lawyer Israelito Torreon.
Despite these legal maneuvers, the defense maintains they will not shy away from the Senate floor.
“While questions of constitutional significance remain pending before the Supreme Court, we are fully prepared to defend the Vice President before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court,” Poa added.