Ex-Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on Friday gave his reaction to the possible impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Speaking to TeleRadyo Serbisyo, Carpio said he agrees with the statement of Senate President Francis Escudero that the Senate can no longer take up the articles of impeachment since Congress is already in recess unless President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. calls for a special session.

He said the President must give a “very valid reason” for calling a special session, such as restoring the budgets for DepEd, PhilHealth and the AFP modernization plan, and not just to take up the impeachment.

He also questioned why the House Quad Committee failed to follow through on questions regarding alleged misuse of P125 million in confidential funds of the Office of the Vice-President. 

“I really cannot understand. The House did not ask the most important question. They should have asked the 2 military aides: ‘Anong ginawa niyo sa P125 million na ended up in your possession?’” he said.

He said the money could have ended up with Duterte, Mary Grace Piattos or in their own pockets. 

Carpio noted there are “very serious charges” against Duterte but said it is up to prosecutors if they can back it up with evidence. 

The prosecution panel could also tap private lawyers to help with the case.