In an official statement, Duterte’s legal team said they are aware of the action taken by the plenary and emphasized that the accusations must be substantiated in accordance with the Constitution, existing laws, and rules on evidence.

“The burden now rests on the accusers to substantiate their claims in accordance with the Constitution, the law, and rules on evidence,” the defense team said.

The camp of the Vice President also noted that constitutional questions related to the impeachment proceedings remain pending before the Supreme Court.

Despite this, Duterte’s lawyers said they are prepared to face the proceedings before the Senate once it convenes as an Impeachment Court.

“While questions of constitutional significance remain pending before the Supreme Court, we are fully prepared to defend the Vice President before the Senate sitting as an Impeachment Court,” the statement read.

The defense team further stressed that it is the responsibility of the prosecution panel to discharge the burden of proof during the impeachment trial.

The impeachment proceedings against Duterte continue to draw national attention amid ongoing political tensions and debates surrounding the constitutional process.