The Quezon City Regional Trial Court has dismissed the petition filed by lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio seeking to stop the impeachment proceedings against his wife, Vice President Sara Duterte.
In its ruling, RTC Branch 81 stated that the judiciary cannot interfere with the House of Representatives in exercising its constitutional powers related to impeachment proceedings.
The court also denied the request for a writ of preliminary injunction against House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, Justice Panel Chairperson Gerville Luistro and Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Charlito Mendoza.
Presiding Judge Madonna Echiverri explained that Carpio’s petition, which included a prayer for the issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction, was dismissed due to lack of jurisdiction.
The judge said Carpio should have elevated the matter to the Supreme Court because the House of Representatives is a co-equal branch of government.
Echiverri emphasized that the respondents committed no illegal act and that the Justice Committee acted within the bounds of the law in determining the sufficiency of the impeachment complaint against Duterte up to the stage of probable cause.
The ruling also cited Article XI of the 1987 Constitution, which grants the House of Representatives exclusive authority to initiate impeachment cases.
The court further affirmed the subpoena powers of the House, stating that the issuance of compulsory processes forms part of its authority during impeachment proceedings.
In addition, the RTC rejected Carpio’s argument questioning the committee’s jurisdiction over documents allegedly connected to him and the vice president.
The court also denied the motion asking the RTC to take judicial notice of news reports and YouTube videos related to the House hearings.
