Senate Asserts Full Discretion in Impeachment Proceedings
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero firmly stated on Monday, June 16, that the Senate holds full discretion under the Constitution to act in impeachment proceedings as it sees fit. This declaration comes amid debates over the impeachment court’s recent actions regarding Vice President Sara Duterte’s complaint.
Escudero made the remarks during a press conference, addressing former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio’s criticism. Carpio labeled the impeachment court’s June 10 move—requesting the House of Representatives to certify whether the complaint violated the one-year constitutional ban—as “irregular,” but not unconstitutional. However, he argued that such a certification should have been initiated by the Vice President’s camp, not by the impeachment court itself.
Respecting Opinions but Standing Firm
Despite respecting Carpio’s views, Escudero disagreed. “Ginagalang ko ang opinyon niya pero hindi ako sang-ayon,” he said. He emphasized the court’s authority, stating, “Walang limitasyon ang impeachment court kaugnay ng pwede o hindi naming pwedeng pagpasyahan.” According to him, the Constitution grants the Senate the “sole power to try and decide” impeachment cases, allowing the court to entertain any motion subject to deliberation and a vote.
Escudero challenged critics by asking if there was any written rule forbidding such a motion or a request from any impeachment court judge. “May mababasa ba siya at may maituturo ba siya na ‘bawal itong mosyon sa impeachment court, bawal itong hilingin ng sinumang impeachment court judge?’ Wala naman,” he said.
Senate’s Stand on Constitutional Authority
The Senate leader pointed out that Carpio, though a respected former Supreme Court associate justice, is not part of the body that will decide the legitimacy of the impeachment court’s actions. No petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the Senate’s recent move.
Escudero invited anyone who believes the Senate or the House violated the Constitution to raise the issue in the Supreme Court. He also noted that a case concerning the one-year ban on impeachment complaints is currently pending before the High Court.
In addition to the certification request, the senator-judges voted to approve a motion that ensures the House of Representatives of the 20th Congress officially communicates its willingness and readiness to pursue the impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte.
For more news and updates on impeachment proceedings, visit Filipinokami.com.