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Daphne Galvez - The Philippine Star
June 23, 2025 | 12:00am
Vice President Sara Duterte addresses the media at the Office of the Vice President in Mandaluyong City on February 7, 2025, days after the House of Representatives approved her impeachment.
Photo by Philstar.com / Martin Ramos
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte would effectively waive her right to answer the charges against her if she does not reply to the writ of summons issued by the Senate impeachment court, according to retired associate justice Antonio Carpio.
“It will not stop the proceedings (if she does not reply). She can still present evidence, but she lost the right to file an answer,” he said in an interview over dzBB yesterday.
The 10-day period given by the impeachment court to answer the summons lapsed on June 21, but since it fell on a Saturday, Duterte can file her reply until today.
Carpio, however, said it is up to the Senate of the 20th Congress if they will allow Duterte to present evidence past the deadline.
“I think she will file an answer. They will have to file an answer. Otherwise, that would be prejudicial to their client. I don’t see them not filing an answer,” he said.
In a separate radio interview, former Integrated Bar of the Philippines president Domingo Cayosa said the Senate impeachment court may cite Duterte in contempt if she fails to submit an answer.
“The court has inherent power (to cite her in contempt),” Cayosa said.
The prosecution will also no longer need to file a rejoinder to the case if it does not see any new issue in relation to the impeachment complaint, he added.
Cayosa believes Duterte’s camp will file an answer today, otherwise the public may think “she does not have a good defense.”
Trial to proceed
Carpio also said the Supreme Court can order the Senate of the 20th Congress to proceed with the impeachment court, although he sees no reason why the Senate of the 20th Congress will not comply.
“I’m sure there will be a trial. The important thing is to subpoena the bank records. That’s where the fight will be. The impeachment court has the power to subpoena,” he said.
Duterte’s impeachment complaint stems from alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, and involvement in extrajudicial killings in Davao City.
The complaint also includes her “assassination” remarks against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez.
