Panelo on VP Sara Participating in House Impeachment Hearings: Malabo Na | Storycon
Why It Matters
The refusal could delay or derail the impeachment, reshaping power dynamics in Manila and testing the new Supreme Court due‑process framework.
Key Takeaways
- •VP Sara Duterte unlikely to attend House impeachment hearings
- •Panelo cites procedural flaws and lack of complainant request
- •Supreme Court’s new due‑process rules become focal point
- •House may overstep by demanding evidence without proper filing
- •Political tension rises as Duterte camp questions impeachment legitimacy
Summary
Former presidential spokesperson Harry Panelo told reporters that Vice President Sara Duterte’s camp is unlikely to appear before the House of Representatives’ impeachment committee, citing procedural obstacles and a lack of formal demand.
Panelo argued that the House is overstepping by trying to establish probable cause without a complainant‑initiated subpoena, referencing Rule 112 of the criminal procedure code and a recent Supreme Court ruling that mandates due‑process hearings before any condemnation.
He quoted Congresswoman Luisina’s clarification that only the complainant can file the necessary sub‑pina, and noted that the House had already issued a subpoena without such a request, which he said undermines the legitimacy of the process.
The standoff highlights deepening friction between the executive and legislative branches, potentially stalling the impeachment timeline and signaling broader political risks for the Duterte administration.
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