SC Dismisses Duterte Petitions on Impeachment Process

THE Supreme Court (SC) dismissed petitions by Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio and her lawyer challenging the House of Representatives’ handling of impeachment complaints against her, saying the issues had become moot after the articles of impeachment were transmitted to the Senate. The court said the House’s role in the process had ended upon transmittal, while the Senate had already convened as an impeachment court and begun proceedings. The petitions questioned the House Justice Committee’s authority to gather evidence and compel witnesses during its review of the complaints. — Mark Joseph M. Sanchez