DAVAO CITY — Davao City First District Representative Paolo Duterte challenged fellow lawmaker and lawyer Rep. Chel Diokno to explain what he believes to be the legal basis for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte after Diokno said the House of Representatives did not impeach the Vice President “without basis.”

In a statement, Duterte argued that the central issue is not whether the House claimed to have a basis, but whether the impeachment complaint is supported by solid, admissible evidence capable of withstanding constitutional scrutiny.

“The real question is, what basis?” Duterte said, asking whether the impeachment was built on credible evidence or “politics dressed up as law.”

Duterte also questioned why the prosecution continues to seek additional evidence if the House Committee on Justice had already found sufficient grounds to endorse the impeachment complaint.

“He should also explain why the prosecution is still fishing for evidence which should have already been available when the Committee on Justice endorsed its report in favor of the impeachment,” Duterte said.

The Davao lawmaker likewise alleged that Vice President Duterte’s constitutional rights have been repeatedly violated during the proceedings and claimed that witnesses presented against her have committed errors when asked basic questions. Those allegations remain disputed.

Duterte further argued that despite years of attacks against the Vice President, her public support continues to rise, saying this reflects that many Filipinos remain unconvinced by the accusations against her.

He also questioned whether political considerations and alleged pressure on members of the House influenced the impeachment complaint. According to Duterte, impeachment should be decided on credible evidence and strict adherence to the Constitution rather than political rhetoric or public opinion.

He concluded by urging the public to uphold the Constitution and protect the rights it guarantees, while asserting that the impeachment case is politically motivated and aimed at preventing Vice President Duterte from remaining a major political force ahead of the 2028 elections.

The impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte remain pending before the Senate sitting as an impeachment court.