Prosecutors in Philippine VP s impeachment say trial must proceed

MANILA - Philippine prosecutors said on Wednesday there was no stopping the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, expressing bemusement at why the Senate convened a court before swiftly returning the case to the lower house.

The impeachment of Duterte, a likely contender for the 2028 presidency, has dominated headlines in the Philippines this year after a high-profile grudge match between her and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr that spiralled into a bitter battle for power and influence.

The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly in February to impeach Duterte for betrayal of public trust and high crimes, referring the case to the Senate to convene a trial. Duterte insists the impeachment is politically motivated and denies wrongdoing.

But the Senate on Tuesday sent the case back to the lower house, requiring it to certify that it was lawful, a move some critics said was a tactic to try to thwart the impeachment.

The decision prompted wider outrage, including from legal and church groups, who said it was a betrayal of the constitution and a shirking of the Senates responsibility to hold public officials accountable.

Congresswoman Gerville Luistro, a member of the impeachment prosecution panel, said the lower house had fulfilled its duty and the Senates issuance of a summons to Duterte to answer charges meant it already had jurisdiction over the case.

No one can stop this anymore, Luistro told a press conference, adding the prosecutions case was strong and backed by ample evidence. We are certain that the complaint is strictly and fully compliant with the requirements of the constitution.

POLITICAL MANOEUVRE

The popular daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte has been accused of budget irregularities, amassing unexplained wealth, and threatening the lives of Marcos, the first lady and and the house speaker. She faces a lifetime political ban