Abante: House prosecutors aren’t giving impeachment court ‘hard time’

House of Representatives spokesperson Princess Abante

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives prosecution team is not giving anyone a “hard time” in its compliance with the orders of the impeachment court, according to the lower chamber’s spokesperson, Princess Abante.

Abante’s clarification stemmed from an earlier remark of Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, calling out the House panel’s “stubbornness” for “not accepting” the order, pleading, answer, and entry of appearance for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.

“We’re not making it difficult for anyone. Let’s clarify the factual circumstances in the instances mentioned by Senate President Escudero,” Abante said in a press conference on Wednesday.

“On June 11, during the last session day of the 19th Congress, a motion was made to defer the acceptance of the remand of the Articles of Impeachment, which was approved by the plenary,” the House official recalled.

“That’s why the House has not yet accepted this – because there was a motion approved in plenary,” she said.

As for the entry of appearance, Abante pointed out some issues regarding the document’s manner of delivery.

“The messenger just didn’t properly identify himself, or what document they were giving to the House,” she recalled.

“It was not mentioned if it was an entry of appearance or what it was for,” she went on. “We did not deny anyone or give anyone a hard time. All we want is a trial to be carried out forthwith.”

Escudero bared his sentiments in a press conference also held on Wednesday.

The Senate chief was asked about the possibility that the House prosecutors would not be able to comply with the second order of the impeachment court.

This second order directed the House of the 20th Congress to communicate to the Senate that it is willing to pursue the case against Duterte.

“I don’t want to jump the gun. Given how stubborn they are, since they won’t even accept the pleading, I wouldn’t be surprised if they will actually do that,” Escudero said in Filipino.

“Imagine, accepting the order, the pleading, the answer, even the appearance – they make all of that difficult. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised anymore,” he added.

“But we will face each other at the right time regarding what they are doing right now,” he further said. /apl /atm