A representative from the House prosecution team has dismissed the Vice President’s formal answer to the impeachment complaint, calling it inadequate and a repetition of defense arguments already heard by the House Committee on Justice.
Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon told journalists on Monday night that the prosecution panel is preparing to lodge its official counter-response within the timeline set by the Senate impeachment court.
“The House prosecution panel will submit its reply within the mandated period by the Senate impeachment court,” Ridon said.
The legislator pointed out that the reply submitted by the Vice President’s lawyers merely recycled positions from previous hearings instead of providing substantial answers to the specific charges outlined in the complaint.
“It should be noted that the answer is a rehash of its previous non-answer to the House Committee on Justice,” he said.
Furthermore, Ridon highlighted that the defense failed to tackle a key article of impeachment concerning public remarks made by Duterte against senior leadership.
“Based on the released executive summary, the answer also does not appear to directly address the Vice President’s threats against the President—an act made well within her term as Vice President and in full public view,” he said.
This particular charge stems from a November 23, 2024 online press conference where Duterte openly stated she had arranged for someone to go after top officials if an attempt was made on her life.
“The prosecution will address these matters fully and properly in its reply before the Senate impeachment court,” Ridon noted.
The impeachment trial centers on several allegations, including the suspected mismanagement of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds, discrepancies in her asset disclosures, unexplained wealth, and public threats against the President, the First Lady, and the former House Speaker.
The Senate is slated to formally convene as an impeachment court on July 6.