Section 5House Rules on Impeachment Proceedings, Rule III, Sec 5

If the committee finds the complaint sufficient in form and substance, it shall immediately furnish the respondent(s) with a copy of the resolution and/or verified complaint, as the case may be, with written notice thereof and serve a copy of the complaint upon the respondent, requiring the respondent to file an answer to the complaint. No motion to dismiss shall be allowed within the period to answer the complaint. The answer, which shall be under oath, may include affirmative defenses. If the respondent fails or refuses to file an answer within the reglementary period, he/she is deemed to have interposed a general denial to the complaint.

Within three (3) days from receipt of the answer, the complainant may file a reply, serving a copy thereof to the respondent who may file a rejoinder within three (3) days from receipt of the reply, serving a copy thereof to the complainant. If the complainant fails to file a reply, all the material allegations in the answer are deemed controverted. Together with their pleadings, the parties shall file their affidavits or counter-affidavits, as the case may be, with their documentary evidence. Such affidavits or counter-affidavits shall be subscribed before the Chairperson of the Committee on Justice or the Secretary General.

When there are more than one respondent, each shall be furnished a copy of the verified complaint together with the resolution of endorsement, if any, and a written notice to answer, and in that case reference to respondent in these Rules shall be understood as respondents.