Sara Duterte Questions House Jurisdiction in Impeachment Response

Vice President Sara Duterte submitted her response to two impeachment complaints a day ahead of the House of Representatives’ deadline, but filed it with clear reservations, signaling she may not fully recognize the chamber’s jurisdiction over the matter.

In a 15-page “consolidated verified answer ad cautelam (with caution)” submitted to the House justice committee chaired by Rep. Gerville Luistro, Duterte refuted the complaints filed by Fr. Joel Saballa and lawyer Nathaniel Cabrera, who accused her of culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust.

Michael Poa, spokesperson for Duterte’s defense team, said the response was transmitted to the committee around 4:30 p.m. “The Vice President’s Answer ad Cautelam simply points out that the impeachment complaints do not contain the ultimate facts required by the rules. They rely largely on conjectures, speculations, and bare conclusions of fact and law,” Poa said.

However, Rep. Terry Ridon criticized Duterte’s filing, saying it did not directly address the allegations. “Instead of responding to the charges, it attempts to challenge the impeachment proceedings itself based on a confused interpretation of due process and the concept of ultimate facts in impeachment cases,” he said.

Meanwhile, the National Unity Party (NUP) emphasized that it will support the impeachment only if the evidence is credible, specific, direct, and corroborated, including statements from whistleblower Ramil Madriaga. House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno stressed that the justice committee must ensure the proceedings develop a legally and evidentially solid case. “Impeachment is not merely the filing of accusations; it is the preparation of a constitutional case that must withstand the scrutiny of a full trial,” Puno said.