House Secretary General Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil on Thursday said the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte were successfully and orderly transmitted to the Senate despite the tense developments unfolding simultaneously inside the Senate complex.
The transmittal was completed Wednesday night amid heightened security concerns and confusion surrounding reports of a possible arrest operation involving Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who is facing an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Garafil said the House of Representatives remained focused on carrying out its constitutional mandate throughout the process.
“Our personnel worked continuously to ensure the proper reproduction, verification, collation, and official transmission of the documents,” Garafil said in a statement.
“Every step was undertaken with utmost care because the integrity and accuracy of the submission are paramount,” she added.
The House Secretary General emphasized that despite the politically charged atmosphere surrounding the proceedings, the House Secretariat stayed focused on its institutional responsibilities.
“Throughout the process, the House remained guided solely by its constitutional mandate and institutional duties,” Garafil said.
She added that the constitutional process proceeded as required and that the House fulfilled its obligations accordingly.
Garafil also thanked House personnel and partner agencies involved in ensuring the secure and orderly delivery of the impeachment documents to the Senate.
“We likewise thank all personnel and partner agencies who helped ensure the orderly and secure transmittal of the Articles of Impeachment,” she said.
The formal transmission of the impeachment complaint sets the stage for the Senate to eventually convene as an impeachment court to try the Vice President.