Senate Upholds Return Articles of Impeachment Decision
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero firmly defended the Senate’s move to return the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives without dismissing the case. He stressed that this action falls within the Senate’s powers and discretion as an impeachment court. The return articles of impeachment sparked debates on the constitutional roles of the Senate and the House in impeachment proceedings.
At a press briefing following the Senate’s 18-5-0 vote on June 11, Escudero addressed concerns about the possible consequences if the House refuses to comply. He was clear that in impeachment matters, the Senate functions solely as the court, while the House acts as the prosecutor. “Hindi kami magkapantay pagdating sa bagay na ito,” he said. “Sa parte ng impeachment, Korte ang Senado, prosecutor ang Kamara. Wala sa lugar para sa akin ang Kamara na hindi sumunod sa ipinaguutos ng impeachment court.”
Distinct Roles in Impeachment Process Explained
Escudero clarified that impeachment is a unique constitutional process differing from regular legislative functions that require bicameral agreement. Unlike bicameral conference committees that need both chambers to agree, the House prosecutes and the Senate judges. Therefore, the Senate’s instruction to return the articles is a judicial order, not a negotiation.
He also responded to criticisms suggesting the Senate overstepped by questioning the House’s process. While the Supreme Court holds the final say on constitutional issues, Escudero insisted that senators serving as judges must be able to raise legal questions and concerns. “Dapat buong galang nating tinatanggap at pinapahintulutan ‘yon. ‘Yan ang ibig sabihin ng pagiging isang deliberative body,” he said. “Siyempre malaya naming pwedeng pagdebatihan ‘yan.”
Senators’ Rights to File Motions and Impartiality
Addressing claims that senators should not file motions to dismiss or question the case, Escudero challenged this view by pointing out no Senate rules forbid such actions. “Wala namang pagbabawal,” he said, emphasizing that motions from senator-judges are permissible and subject to voting.
On the issue of impartiality, Escudero acknowledged the Senate’s political nature but noted that senators can recuse themselves if conflicts arise. However, this decision is personal and cannot be forced by a vote. “Hindi ‘yan subject matter of vote. Hindi ‘yan pwedeng pagbotohan na, ‘ikaw tanggal ka na,’” he explained.
Political Dynamics and Next Steps
The Senate’s rare procedural move to return the impeachment articles without dismissing the case has intensified speculation about the political forces at play behind Vice President Duterte’s impeachment. The ball now lies with the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, on how they will respond.
Meanwhile, the Vice President’s Office confirmed it has received the summons issued by the impeachment court. Separately, Escudero informed Speaker Romualdez in a letter that the scheduled presentation of the Articles of Impeachment for June 11, 2025, has been rendered moot and therefore cancelled.
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