The House of Representatives panel of prosecutors filed an “Entry with Motion to Issue Summons” on Tuesday, March 25, before the Senate, compelling Vice President Sara Duterte to respond to the Articles of Impeachment.

Minority Leader, 4Ps Party-list Representative, and House prosecution member Marcelino Libanan signed the motion, addressed to Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero to order the vice president to file an answer to the Articles of Impeachment within the “non-extendible period of 10 days from receipt of the Writ of Summons.”

Speaking at a press conference the same day, 1 RIDER Party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo “Rodge” Gutierrez, confirmed they have submitted the letter signed by the other 10 prosecutors. He revealed that Libanan had also been appointed to be empowered to sign any documents concerning VP Duterte’s impeachment trial.

“Although it is not yet formal, in effect [na ito], ito po yung tinatawag natin na lead prosecutor,” he said.

“Pero hindi namin kaagad finile dahil ang tingin po namin ay break nila, sinasabi nila na baka hindi sila makapag trabaho dahil break na yung Senado. Apparently, nagkaroon po sila ng hearing last Thursday noong committee ni Senadora Imee [Marcos],” he stated.

“Ibig sabihin, nagtatrabaho pa din po ang Senado. Kaya ngayong araw, i-finile po natin itong entry with motion to issue summons. Anong ibig po sabihin nito? Una ay ipinahahayag po namin na nakahanda po ang House,” he added.

Although the Congress is also occupied with preparations for election campaigns, Libanan highlighted that they would remain committed to fulfilling their duties.

Joining Libanan and Gutierrez are Deputy Majority Leader and La Union 1st District Rep. Paolo Ortega, and Assistant Majority Leader and Zambales 1st District Rep. Jay Konghun.

VP Duterte is at The Hague in the Netherlands for the time being, assisting her father and former President Rodrigo Duterte’s trial with the International Criminal Court (ICC). Despite this, the lawmakers mentioned that the former may respond to the latest update on her impeachment trial online or through the consulate in the Netherlands.

However, the lawmakers said it would still be up to the Senate to process the motion, given that the presentation of the Articles of Impeachment is scheduled on June 2, while the impeachment trial is on July 30.