Senate Minority Leader Tito Sotto and Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson have confirmed that they will spearhead a motion to revive from the Senate archives the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte—should the Supreme Court grant the House of Representatives’ request to overturn its earlier ruling declaring the complaint “unconstitutional.”
The Senate voted 19-4-1 to place the impeachment complaint in its “archives,” effectively shelving it for the time being but leaving the option to revive it open.
In a radio interview, Lacson stressed that the process won’t be easy, as it would still require another vote from senators.
“While yung archiving definitely hindi ’yun dismissal, kailangan pa namin ng bagong mosyon sa floor para i-pull out yung na-archive eh botohan ’yun,” Lacson said.
He admitted concern that their planned motion might be rejected, citing the prevailing sentiment among most senators.
“Pakiramdam ko lang ito, malamang na manalo muli yung huwag nang i-pull out, huwag nang i-revive. Base doon sa nakita kong medyo matigas na paninindigan ng mga kasamahan ko, ’yung majority na ayaw talagang mag-proceed yung trial,” Lacson added.
For his part, Senator Rodante Marcoleta—who led the move to archive the complaint—said that if the Supreme Court reverses its earlier decision, the Senate will immediately comply and proceed with the trial if necessary.