The House of Representatives will move forward with impeachment proceedings after the Supreme Court declined to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the hearings.
House Speaker Faustino Dy III said the chamber continues to respect the authority of the Court.
“The House of Representatives welcomes the Supreme Court’s non-issuance of a temporary restraining order. We have the highest respect for the Court and its processes, and we defer to its authority on matters properly brought before it,” Dy stated.
He emphasized that without legal restraint, the House is bound to carry out its constitutional mandate.
“In the absence of any legal restraint, the House of Representatives will continue to discharge its constitutional mandate,” he added.
Dy described the Court’s action as reflecting a “proper balance” among institutions, noting that each branch is working within constitutional limits. He assured that the House Committee on Justice will conduct the hearings fairly and transparently.
“The House Committee on Justice will proceed in accordance with the Constitution and the rules, through a fair, orderly, and evidence-based process where all parties are given the opportunity to be heard,” he said.
“The proceedings are part of the constitutional process of accountability, guided by facts, evidence, and the rule of law,” Dy added.
The Supreme Court has directed the House to respond within 10 days to the petition filed by Vice President Sara Duterte, but it did not stop the Justice Committee from holding its impeachment hearing scheduled for April 14.