Manila, Aug. 5 -- The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday dismissed on the ground of mootness the consolidated petitions questioning the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte at the House of Representatives.

In a statement, the high tribunal said the petitions were filed by Duterte and DDS lawyer Israelito P. Torreon against the lower chamber of Congress.

"The SC ruled that the issues raised in the petitions had become moot, or no longer required resolution, because the House had already approved and transmitted the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate," the court said.

The petitioners argued that the House Committee on Justice exceeded its constitutional authority by gathering evidence and compelling witnesses to a...