A Quezon City court has dismissed a petition filed by Mans Carpio, the husband of Vice President Sara Duterte, aimed at halting impeachment proceedings against her.
The court ruled that Carpio should have directed his complaint to the Supreme Court, as the House committee on justice is a co-equal branch of government.
The QC Regional Trial Court Branch 81 stated that interfering with the committee's official duties would undermine its functions.
Carpio's petition specifically challenged the committee's authority to issue subpoenas for tax documents from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) related to him and his wife.
The court emphasized that the issuance of subpoenas is a legitimate power of the committee, necessary for fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities.
In March, the BIR provided a sealed box containing tax records to the committee, which has not yet been opened due to legal concerns.
The House committee's investigation into Sara Duterte includes allegations of unexplained wealth, which have been noted as impeachable offenses.
A plenary vote on the impeachment is scheduled for May 11, with early estimates suggesting a significant number of lawmakers in favor.