Vice President Sara Duterte could forfeit her right to formally respond to the impeachment complaint if she fails to file her answer to the Senate summons, according to former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio.
Speaking to Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday, Carpio said that while the impeachment proceedings will continue regardless of Duterte’s response, skipping the deadline would waive her right to submit an answer. “She can still present evidence, but she loses the right to file an official answer,” he explained.
The 10-day deadline to respond to the writ of summons ended on Saturday, June 21, but since it fell on a weekend, Duterte’s legal team may still file the reply on Monday.
Senate impeachment court spokesperson Atty. Regie Tongol previously stated the trial will proceed even if Duterte does not respond to the summons.
Carpio echoed this sentiment but emphasized that it would be up to the 20th Congress to decide whether to allow her to present evidence later. “That’s the consequence of being in default,” he noted, though he expressed confidence Duterte would ultimately respond.
He also stressed that the Supreme Court could compel the Senate to move forward with the impeachment trial. “I’m sure there will be a trial. The key will be the subpoena of bank records—this is where the real battle begins,” Carpio said.
The impeachment complaint against Duterte includes allegations of misused confidential funds, unexplained wealth, and links to extrajudicial killings during her time as Davao City mayor. It also cites controversial remarks perceived as assassination threats toward President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.