Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio warned that Vice President Sara Duterte could lose her right to respond in the Senate impeachment proceedings if she fails to submit a reply to the writ of summons issued on June 10.
While she may still present evidence, Carpio stressed that it is at the discretion of the Senate to allow Duterte’s defense once the reply deadline lapses.
The 10-day deadline concluded on Sunday, June 21, but due to the weekend, Duterte’s legal team may still file their response by Monday, June 24.
Impeachment court spokesperson Atty. Regie Tongol confirmed that the proceedings would continue even if Duterte fails to answer the summons.
Carpio expressed confidence that Duterte’s camp would file a reply, warning that failure to do so would significantly weaken their defense.
He also noted that the Supreme Court could direct the Senate to proceed with the trial and emphasized that the impeachment court holds the authority to subpoena bank records, which he called a critical aspect of the process.
The impeachment complaint against Duterte cites alleged misuse of confidential government funds, unexplained wealth, links to extrajudicial killings in Davao City, and a controversial statement implying threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.