The House of Representatives on Wednesday night formally transmitted the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the Senate, completing what House Secretary General lawyer Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil described as an orderly and constitutionally compliant process.
The Senate officially received the impeachment documents at 7:22 p.m., according to Garafil, shortly before reports of unrest and gunfire linked to a supposed attempt by authorities to arrest Sen. Ronald dela Rosa.
In a statement issued Thursday, Garafil said the House completed the transmittal despite the politically charged atmosphere surrounding the proceedings.
“The transmittal of the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate last night was completed successfully and in an orderly manner despite the many developments unfolding simultaneously,” Garafil said.
“Throughout the process, the House of Representatives remained focused on fulfilling its constitutional duty faithfully, professionally, and without disruption,” she added.
Garafil issued the statement after Sen. Imee Marcos accused the House of delaying the impeachment trial following changes in the Senate leadership.
The House Secretariat prepared 27 printed copies of Committee Report 261 on House Resolution 989, which contains the articles of impeachment against Duterte, along with 27 flash drives containing electronic copies of the documents.
Garafil said House personnel worked continuously to reproduce, verify, collate, and transmit the records.
“Every step was undertaken with utmost care because the integrity and accuracy of the submission are paramount,” she said.
“Despite the heightened political atmosphere surrounding the proceedings, the House Secretariat remained guided solely by its constitutional mandate and institutional responsibilities.”
The formal transmittal was attended by House Sergeant-at-Arms Ferdinand Melchor Dela Cruz, lawyer Marmoi Salonga, Garafil, Senate Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza, and Senate Deputy Secretary for Legislation lawyer Marivic Laurel-Garcia.
On May 11, the House voted 257-25, with nine abstentions, to impeach Duterte for a second time and transmit the case to the Senate.
The articles of impeachment include allegations involving the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds under the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, and unexplained wealth and discrepancies in Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.
It also details alleged bribery involving Department of Education officials, and alleged grave threats arising from her public remarks against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
“The constitutional process moved forward as required, and the House fulfilled its duty accordingly,” Garafil said.
With the articles of impeachment formally transmitted, the Senate is expected to convene as an impeachment court and proceed with the trial.
