VP Sara must file impeach response today

MANILA, Philippines, June 1 ------ Vice President Sara Duterte has until 7 p.m. today to file her formal answer to the Articles of Impeachment.

In an advisory, Senate Secretary Jose Luis Montales said Duterte may submit her response from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. personally or through her legal counsel should they not opt for submitting by email. In the event Duterte opts to file the document in person, the Senate has locked down administrative access throughout the building to prevent media scuffles. “Access to the Office of the Senate Secretary on the sixth floor, where the answer will be received and processed, shall be restricted to authorized officials of the Impeachment Court and members of the Vice President’s legal team,” the Senate advisory stated. “Given the limited space within the Senate premises and the anticipated number of media representatives, these measures are necessary to ensure safety, facilitate movement, and provide equitable access and accommodation for all concerned,” the advisory added.

In anticipation of the filing, Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano dismissed, in a Facebook Live on May 30, allegations that the majority bloc’s proposed amendment to the Senate rules on remote participation is tied to the upcoming impeachment trial. Duterte’s defense team yesterday assured that they would meet today’s deadline to file its answer to the Articles of Impeachment. House prosecution team spokesperson Rep. Renee Co said the best gift they can give to Duterte – whose birthday was yesterday – is her opportunity to refute all the Articles of Impeachment filed against her before the Senate impeachment court.

Source: philstar.com