Justice Committee Chair Criticizes VP Duterte's Impeachment Response
Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville Luistro, who chairs the House Committee on Justice, has declared that Vice President Sara Duterte's camp wasted an opportunity to directly counter the impeachment allegations against her. This statement came after the submission of a 15-page Consolidated Verified Answer Ad Cautelam by Duterte's legal team.
Response Lacks Direct Addressing of Allegations
According to Luistro, the Vice President's answer did not provide a point-by-point rebuttal to the impeachment charges, which the public has long awaited. He emphasized that while reviewing the document, it appeared more like a motion to dismiss—a procedural move not permitted in impeachment proceedings. Consequently, the committee may classify Duterte's filing as a general denial, implying that the allegations were not directly confronted.
Committee's Stance on Impeachment Complaints
Luistro further revealed that the committee has already confirmed the sufficiency in form and substance of the two remaining impeachment complaints against VP Duterte during previous deliberations. He noted that while they respect the opinions of Duterte's camp, the committee remains cautious in adhering to its established rules and procedures.
This development highlights the ongoing political tensions, as the impeachment process continues to unfold. The committee's next steps will be closely watched, as they could significantly impact the trajectory of the case against the Vice President.
