Respect SC Order on Sara Duterte Impeachment, Says Bong Go
MANILA — Senator Bong Go has called for respect toward the Supreme Court’s ruling that declared the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte “unconstitutional.” This key decision emphasizes that the Senate cannot claim jurisdiction over the impeachment proceedings.
Go, a close ally of the Duterte family, expressed hope that the court’s decision will promote unity across the nation. “Now that the Supreme Court has made a decision, let’s respect it. Hopefully, this will be a path for our unity as a nation, for the sake of our country and citizens, especially the poor,” he said.
Senator Highlights Importance of Due Process
The senator also defended his earlier suggestion that the Senate should have remanded the impeachment complaint back to the House of Representatives first. He recalled his statement after the oath-taking of senator-judges on June 10, emphasizing impartiality and the need to ensure the proper process was followed.
“Yes, we are senator-judges tasked to decide on this matter and we took an oath to be impartial. But this matter, whether it went through the right process or not, should first be decided upon and settled,” Go remarked.
He urged everyone to respect the Supreme Court as the final authority on legal issues, especially regarding the procedural concerns raised in the impeachment case.
Legal Concerns Addressed by Supreme Court
According to Go, the Supreme Court clarified that the four impeachment complaints against the vice president did not comply with the one-year filing ban and other required procedures. He stressed that the law must be followed without shortcuts.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. And justice conducted the wrong way is no justice at all. Hindi pwede ang shortcut,” he added, underscoring the importance of adhering to due process.
Call to Focus on National Priorities
Beyond the impeachment, Go urged government officials and the public to concentrate on issues that truly matter. He said, “Let us focus on what is important for our people who we serve: Justice in the right way. And service that will help Filipinos. That is what the people need, that is what we should focus on.”
Background of the Impeachment Case
Vice President Sara Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives on February 5 after 215 lawmakers signed the complaint. The charges included culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust, and graft and corruption.
Notably, House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos, son of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., were among those who signed the impeachment resolution.
The Senate convened as an impeachment court on June 10 but promptly returned the complaint to the House, citing unresolved constitutional safeguards and jurisdictional issues.
For more news and updates on Sara Duterte impeachment, visit Filipinokami.com.
