The Senate remains divided on whether to proceed with impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte following the Supreme Court’s decision declaring the House-filed Articles of Impeachment “unconstitutional.”
The ruling, handed down on July 25, stated that the move by the House of Representatives violated Article XI, Section 3, Paragraph 5 of the Constitution, which limits impeachment to once per year against an impeachable official.
Several senators including Tito Sotto, Bam Aquino, Kiko Pangilinan, Risa Hontiveros, and Joel Villanueva have expressed dissent over the ruling.
Senator Aquino argued, “Matibay ang aking paninindigan na dapat ipagpatuloy ang impeachment trial,” adding, “Bilang co-equal branch, malinaw ang mandato ng konstitusyon at kapangyarihan ng senado, kaya nararapat na irespeto ang proseso ng impeachment.”
Hontiveros echoed this sentiment, stating, “With all due respect, nakakadismaya itong biglaang pagpigil ng Korte Suprema sa pagdaraos ng impeachment trial laban kay VP Sara Duterte.”
On the other hand, Senators Sotto, Pangilinan, and Villanueva emphasized the independence of the Senate as a co-equal branch, arguing the chamber has the prerogative to proceed.
Sotto noted, “I’d rather hear first what the House of Representatives has to say. But a legal expert told me we could disregard the SC ruling because it oversteps our authority.”
Pangilinan questioned whether the outcome would have differed if the Senate had immediately acted: “It’s worth asking: would the decision be the same if the Senate had simply followed the constitutional mandate to ‘forthwith proceed with the trial’?”
Villanueva highlighted the Senate’s discretion as an impeachment court, saying, “Whether or not the SC issued this decision, someone was bound to raise it during trial. But ultimately, the impeachment court will vote on whether to heed or disregard the SC’s ruling. That’s our call.”
However, Senator Ping Lacson urged his colleagues to comply with the Court’s ruling: “The Senate must respect and comply with the SC ruling, notwithstanding the contrary opinions of several legal observers.”
DUTERTE ALLIES APPLAUD SC RULING
Pro-Duterte senators welcomed the ruling and urged their colleagues to move on.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada remarked, “This is a good reminder that any attempt to impeach public officials must be grounded in law and procedure.”
Senator Imee Marcos also called for unity, stating, “Galangin at respetuhin ang desisyon ng Korte Suprema. To my fellow senators — it’s time to get back to work. Let’s focus on serving the people. Enough with the politics, for now!”
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa took a more spiritual stance, saying, “When the SC ruled it as unconstitutional I’m sure they were guided also by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit defeated the forces of evil! Hallelujah!”
The Senate is expected to deliberate and possibly vote on whether to proceed with the impeachment trial in its July 28 plenary session.