Politics · Philippines Bureau
House prosecutors reject compromise conviction in Duterte impeachment trial
The House prosecution panel has dismissed proposals for a conditional conviction of Vice President Sara Duterte in her Senate impeachment trial, arguing such arrangements would violate constitutional provisions. House prosecutors contend that any conviction must carry full constitutional consequences.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Prosecutors in Vice President Sara Duterte's Senate impeachment trial have rejected suggestions for a compromise verdict that would convict her while preserving her eligibility for future public office, citing constitutional constraints.
House private prosecutor Atty. Benjamin "Jay" Tolosa Jr. told reporters that proposals to impose a limited conviction fail to align with constitutional requirements governing impeachment proceedings. He stressed that the Constitution does not permit conditional or partial convictions in impeachment cases.
The rejection of compromise measures signals the House prosecution's intention to pursue a full conviction, which would carry constitutional consequences including potential disqualification from holding public office. The stance underscores the fundamental legal positions at stake in the trial.
The impeachment proceedings against the Vice President have drawn significant attention amid ongoing political tensions. The House prosecution's firm position on constitutional adherence suggests prolonged legal arguments ahead as the trial progresses through Senate deliberations.