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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider No consultation on fresh petition vs impeachment proceedings – VP Sara

No consultation on fresh petition vs impeachment proceedings – VP Sara

Published Mar 29, 2026 05:09 pm
DUTERTE (Photo via Ivy Tejano)
DUTERTE (Photo via Ivy Tejano)
DAVAO CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte said she was not consulted by the group of lawyers who filed a petition before the Supreme Court on March 27 seeking to stop impeachment proceedings against her at the House of Representatives.
"Oh! They did not consult me. And I am not thinking about the impeachment at this time. I've left that entirely to my lawyers," Duterte told reporters on the sidelines of the Parada Dabawenyo of the 89th Araw ng Davao on Saturday, March 28.
The Vice President thanked lawyers behind the move, noting that they were not part of her defense team but had taken the initiative to file the petition on their own.
"Of course, I am thankful to independent lawyers who are not part of the defense team but are still thinking of defending the Constitution and opposing the abuse of the impeachment process," Duterte added.
Torreon and Partners, led by Israelito Torreon, filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition before the Supreme Court seeking to stop the House Committee on Justice from proceeding with actions related to impeachment complaints against Duterte.
The 186-page petition asked the High Court to issue a Temporary Restraining Order and a Writ of Preliminary Injunction to halt the recognition and processing of the complaints, including any hearings, deliberations, or votes tied to them.
Petitioners said the panel abused its discretion by allowing the complaints to proceed despite alleged constitutional and procedural flaws. They questioned the handling of multiple complaints, which were repeatedly refiled and endorsed despite deficiencies.
Torreon emphasized that they filed the petition as citizens and taxpayers, adding that the Constitution allows the Supreme Court to review government actions for possible abuse of discretion.
The group maintained that impeachment complaints that lack proper form and substance should be dismissed outright and cannot be remedied by additional hearings, evidence, or other procedural actions.

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Davao City Vice President Sara Duterte Impeachment
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