The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte said the filing of new impeachment complaints against her was anticipated and will be addressed through established constitutional procedures.
In a statement dated February 2, lawyer Michael Poa said the move against the Vice President came as “no surprise,” adding that the defense remains confident the allegations will not withstand legal scrutiny.
The statement emphasized that impeachment is governed by constitutional standards and cannot rest on allegations shaped by public noise or media pressure.
“As the Supreme Court has recently emphasized, impeachment is ‘not merely a political process initiated by mere allegations or by perceived public acclaim shaped by the propagandistic effect of timed press releases or irresponsible viral posts on social media.’ It is a constitutional mechanism governed by standards, evidence, and due process,” Poa said.
The defense said it is prepared to directly address the accusations using the mechanisms provided by law.
“We are prepared to confront these allegations squarely through the proper constitutional processes,” the statement said.
Poa added that the legal team is “confident that a fair and impartial review will demonstrate that the accusations are devoid of both factual and legal basis.”
The response positions Duterte’s camp as ready to face the complaints within formal institutions, underscoring confidence in constitutional safeguards and judicial review rather than political escalation.
The impeachment complaints remain subject to congressional proceedings, where standards of evidence and due process will determine the next steps.
