Senate Credibility at Stake Amid Impeachment Trial
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III recently warned that the Senate’s credibility, integrity, and historical reputation are on the line as it prepares to handle the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte. This Senate credibility at stake issue surfaced during an interview on Usapang Senado aired on DWIZ.
Pimentel stressed that the Senate must uphold its constitutional duty to conduct the impeachment trial diligently. He cautioned that any abrupt attempts to derail the process, such as a rumored resolution for summary dismissal, would violate the Constitution and seriously damage the Senate’s stature. “Yung credibility ng Senado, reputasyon, integrity, nakataya lalo na kung may sorpresang mangyayari kasi dapat wala na,” he said. “Kapag mayroong isingit doon pagkatapos ng reading, even before the reading mayroong bulabog na gagawin, eh masisira po talaga ang Senado diyan.”
Concerns Over Possible Trial Blockade
The Senate is set to read the articles of impeachment on June 11, after previous delays that Pimentel questioned. He raised alarms over signs that some senators may try to block the trial even before the Senate formally convenes as an impeachment court. According to constitutional mandate, “trial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed,” making any delay or obstruction unconstitutional.
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa confirmed that his office drafted a resolution seeking outright dismissal of the impeachment complaint. The draft cited the more than 100-day lapse since the House transmitted the articles without Senate action. Both chambers will adjourn sine die on June 11, adding urgency to the issue.
Constitutional Duty Overpowers Senate Votes
Pimentel rejected the notion that the Senate plenary could override the constitutional requirement to proceed with the trial. “Kung Constitution na ang nag-uutos, kahit gaano kapowerful ng plenary, di nila pwedeng banggain ang Constitution. Kasi ang Constitution ang kabangga mo diyan taumbayan,” he explained.
He further clarified, “Di naman batas yang Constitution na pinasa ng Kongreso e, batas yan na pinasa ng taumbayan. Kaya tawag diyan fundamental law.” This underscores that the Constitution is the supreme law made by the people, not simply legislation passed by Congress.
Senate’s Historical Judgment at Risk
The veteran lawmaker admitted that history will judge the Senate harshly if it arbitrarily dismisses the impeachment complaint without proper action. “Kaya kami worried kasi member din kami ng senado na yan,” he said. “Ayaw namin na yan ang magiging reputasyon ng Senate of the 19th Congress.”
The impending impeachment trial against the Vice President thus becomes more than a procedural matter. It reflects on the Senate’s commitment to uphold the Constitution and maintain public trust.
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