MANILA - The Philippine Senate sitting as an impeachment court voted on Tuesday to return an impeachment complaint against Vice-President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives for clarification.

Voting 18 against five, the Senate returned the articles of impeachment just a few hours after convening a trial.

"There is no intention to dismiss this case," said Senate President Francis Escudero, the court's presiding officer. He added that the court would send the summons to Duterte.

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The Senate convened as an impeachment court on Tuesday after senators took their oath as judges.

Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives on Feb 5 this year.