Manila: The camp of Vice President Sara Duterte has petitioned the Supreme Court (SC) to immediately halt the ongoing impeachment trial against her, which is currently in progress at the Senate, acting as an impeachment court.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a detailed 16-page "very urgent manifestation with motion," Duterte's legal team has also questioned the legality of Senator Francis 'Chiz' Escudero's appointment as the presiding officer for the trial. The plea, submitted by lawyer Israelito Torreon, argues for a temporary restraining order or other interim reliefs to ensure the trial only proceeds under a presiding officer whose authority is not constitutionally disputed.

The motion warns that without immediate intervention, there is a risk of the impeachment process continuing under disputed rules and leadership. The plea is part of a consolidated case, one of which lists Duterte as a petitioner. In a previous petition submitted to the SC on January 6, Duterte's camp emphasized the need to maintain the status quo until the constitutional question about Escudero's authority is resolved to prevent the trial from proceeding under potentially illegal conditions.