Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal team has rejected the impeachment complaints filed against her, describing them as “baseless” and urging that the proceedings be guided strictly by the Constitution, rules, and credible evidence not political agendas.
The statement comes as the House Committee on Justice prepares to continue hearings on the complaints, following its earlier finding that they are sufficient in form and substance to proceed.
With the preliminary threshold cleared, the panel will now move into substantive deliberations, including Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno’s motion to subpoena documents and summon key witnesses, as well as concerns raised by Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon over two of Duterte’s lawyers potentially serving as witnesses. Both complainants have waived their right to reply to the Vice President’s answer, allowing the hearings to move forward.
The defense emphasized that the committee’s preliminary finding does not determine the truth of the allegations or establish liability.
“Our position remains unchanged. The complaints suffer from a fundamental defect. They are built on conclusions, speculation, and narratives that are not anchored on the ultimate facts required under the Constitution and the Rules,” the team said.
The legal counsel added that the complaints represent “accusations in search of evidence, not evidence in support of accusations,” highlighting the need for credible and competent proof in any legal evaluation.
“Ultimately, the process must be governed not by any political agenda, but by the Constitution, the rules, and credible and competent evidence. On that basis, the defense stands on firm ground,” the statement read.
The defense team continues to closely monitor developments, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring a fair and rule-based review of the impeachment allegations.
