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Advocates Philippines
House Prosecutor Says VP Sara Impeachment Trial Now Shifts To Evidence
Photo credit: Senate PH
With the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte set to move forward, House prosecutor and Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua said the focus should now be on the evidence—not procedural objections.
Speaking in a radio interview on Sunday, Chua said the legal arguments previously raised by the Vice President's camp should no longer delay the proceedings, as the impeachment court is expected to hear and evaluate the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense.
His remarks came after Duterte submitted a 51-page response to the Articles of Impeachment, asking the Senate impeachment court to dismiss the case. In her filing, the Vice President argued that the impeachment process was unconstitutional, carried out in bad faith, and plagued by procedural defects.
Chua, however, declined to directly address the merits of Duterte's arguments, saying those issues are now for the Senate impeachment court to determine.
Instead, he pointed to the House prosecution panel's position that the Senate's constitutional duty is to conduct a full trial rather than entertain a motion to dismiss. According to Chua, the impeachment process can only end after the court issues a final judgment—either acquittal or conviction.
He also cited the Constitution, which states that an impeachment trial should proceed without unnecessary delay, arguing that the Senate should hear the evidence before making any decision on the case.
Chua likewise rejected Duterte's challenge to the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Justice, noting that the same arguments have already been brought before the Supreme Court. He said allowing the Senate impeachment court to rule on those issues could preempt the High Court and effectively place the Senate in the role of an appellate body over the House of Representatives, despite the Constitution granting the House the exclusive authority to initiate impeachment complaints.
The Senate impeachment court is scheduled to begin the trial proper on July 6.
Vice President Duterte is facing impeachment over allegations that include the alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery involving Department of Education personnel, and threats against the country's top government officials. She has denied the allegations, and the impeachment trial will determine whether the charges are supported by evidence.
Speaking in a radio interview on Sunday, Chua said the legal arguments previously raised by the Vice President's camp should no longer delay the proceedings, as the impeachment court is expected to hear and evaluate the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense.
His remarks came after Duterte submitted a 51-page response to the Articles of Impeachment, asking the Senate impeachment court to dismiss the case. In her filing, the Vice President argued that the impeachment process was unconstitutional, carried out in bad faith, and plagued by procedural defects.
Chua, however, declined to directly address the merits of Duterte's arguments, saying those issues are now for the Senate impeachment court to determine.
Instead, he pointed to the House prosecution panel's position that the Senate's constitutional duty is to conduct a full trial rather than entertain a motion to dismiss. According to Chua, the impeachment process can only end after the court issues a final judgment—either acquittal or conviction.
He also cited the Constitution, which states that an impeachment trial should proceed without unnecessary delay, arguing that the Senate should hear the evidence before making any decision on the case.
Chua likewise rejected Duterte's challenge to the jurisdiction of the House Committee on Justice, noting that the same arguments have already been brought before the Supreme Court. He said allowing the Senate impeachment court to rule on those issues could preempt the High Court and effectively place the Senate in the role of an appellate body over the House of Representatives, despite the Constitution granting the House the exclusive authority to initiate impeachment complaints.
The Senate impeachment court is scheduled to begin the trial proper on July 6.
Vice President Duterte is facing impeachment over allegations that include the alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery involving Department of Education personnel, and threats against the country's top government officials. She has denied the allegations, and the impeachment trial will determine whether the charges are supported by evidence.
Jun 29, 2026
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