The camp of Vice President Sara Duterte has challenged the constitutionality of the impeachment proceedings conducted by the House Committee on Justice.
In a report, Duterte’s camp said the panel went beyond its mandate by discussing matters that should be reserved for a full impeachment trial, instead of limiting deliberations to verified complaints and supporting documents.
The camp added that the committee’s finding of probable cause was not surprising given the direction of the proceedings.
Meanwhile, Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte alleged that there were attempts to influence lawmakers’ votes, claiming that calls were made to chiefs of staff offering protection of district budgets in exchange for support for impeachment.
He said that if the House is confident in the case, it should allow evidence to be presented during trial.
The House Committee on Justice has yet to respond to the allegations.
Amid the proceedings, Duterte attended a public exhibit in Laguna recognizing former vice presidents, while the impeachment process continues in the House.
