The impeachment court is reviewing the possible amendment of Vice President Sara Duterte’s name in the case information following questions raised over the inclusion of “Madam Zimmerman Duterte” instead of her married name, with “Carpio” not reflected in the document.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, July 28, impeachment court Spokesperson Atty. Regie Tongol said the concern regarding the vice president's name has already been elevated to the presiding officer and the clerk of court for legal assessment.
“So far po, we already brought your concern to the attention of the presiding officer and the clerk of court. So it is now under advisement. They are still researching about it. Tinitingnan po muna natin kung ano yung possible legal effects at possible action po ng clerk of court regarding the matter,” Tongol said.
The issue was raised after reporters asked whether the case information would be amended to reflect Duterte’s proper name, citing possible legal implications of errors in names or personal details in court documents.
Tongol explained that, in ordinary court proceedings, corrections involving a person’s name are generally considered formal amendments and do not necessarily affect the rights of the accused or respondent.
“Kung ano lang a matter of amending lamang yung pangalan, dagdag lang o babawasan, it's just a formal amendment. So wala namang magiging kaso yun,” he said.
He clarified, however, that impeachment proceedings are different from regular criminal or civil cases, describing the process as sui generis, or unique in nature. He added that the court and legal teams are still determining the appropriate action based on the official records available.
“We don't have all the information regarding the respondent, Duterte. Tinitingnan pa namin kung ano yung formal name niya talaga na nakalagay,” Tongol said.
The impeachment court has yet to issue a final ruling on whether the case information will be amended.
