House Acts Swiftly After Senate’s Impeachment Remand
Former Office of the Vice President (OVP) spokesman Barry Gutierrez described the House of Representatives’ reaction to the Senate’s remanding of the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte as “swift, reasonable, and dignified.” The House quickly adopted Resolution No. 2346, which reaffirmed that the impeachment complaint meets all constitutional requirements.
Gutierrez praised the lower chamber’s response, noting, “Maayos, kahit kung tutuusin, binastos sila ng Senado with that insulting and unconstitutional ‘remand.’” He added that this move restores some order to a process that had become chaotic after the Senate’s controversial actions.
Senate’s Remand Sparks Criticism and Legal Concerns
On the day the Senate adjourned sine die, the impeachment court voted 18-5 to send back the articles of impeachment to the House. This decision drew sharp criticism from legal experts and pro-democracy advocates who see it as a derailment of the constitutionally mandated trial.
Under House Resolution 2346, the House asserted its sole prerogative to initiate impeachment proceedings. However, the resolution has not yet been forwarded to the Senate, as the House prosecution team waits for clarification on the basis of the Senate’s remand.
Constitutional Issues in Senate’s Move
Gutierrez highlighted the constitutional implications of the Senate’s action. “Walang institusyon na mas mataas sa Saligang Batas,” he said. He reminded that the Senate and the House are equal branches of government. “The impeachment process is not akin to a thesis defense where senators act as professors and the House as a student whose work can be returned at will.”
He emphasized that once the articles are transmitted to the Senate, it is their constitutional duty to proceed with the trial without delay. “Delaying justice is denying justice,” Gutierrez noted.
The Senate’s Role and the Call for Transparency
The former lawmaker warned that the Senate might be setting a dangerous precedent by halting constitutionally grounded procedures on its own. “The duty of the Senate as an impeachment court is to try the case, at hindi pagdudahan ang ipinasang impeachment complaints ng House,” he said. “The Filipino people deserve transparency, not political maneuvering.”
Gutierrez concluded, “Let’s be clear: this is about the rule of law. The House acted with clarity and courage. It’s time for the Senate to do the same.”
Background of the Impeachment Complaint
Vice President Sara Duterte faces an impeachment complaint over a death threat she allegedly made against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez last November. The charges also include betrayal of public trust and the alleged misuse of controversial public funds.
For more news and updates on impeachment proceedings, visit Filipinokami.com.