Senate Denies Filing Resolution Dismissing Impeachment
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero firmly denied on June 4 that the Senate has received or filed any resolution dismissing the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte. This statement responds directly to the online spread of an unsigned draft claiming to be such a resolution.
Escudero clarified to reporters that no official Senate records contain any resolution related to dismissing the impeachment complaint. “As of last night, even this morning, tinanong ko dahil sa mga katanungan ng media, wala pong ganyang uri o parehong resolusyon na finile o inihain sa Senado sa ngayon,” he said. He stressed that any circulated document lacking formal authorship or filing has no legal effect.
No Legal Standing for Unsigned Drafts
“Anumang kumakalat na resolusyon na wala namang author na pinakita lamang din sa akin ng media ay ika nga mere scrap of paper unless may mag-file niyan, unless may mag-author niyan, unless pagdebatehan niyan, at unless pagbotohan niyan,” Escudero explained. This means that without official filing, sponsorship, debate, and voting, such documents hold no power.
The clarification came after an alleged Senate resolution dismissing the impeachment complaint circulated online on Wednesday morning. However, the document bears no official signatures, sponsorship, or formal submission through proper Senate channels.
Senate Upholds Due Process Amid Pressure
Escudero emphasized that the Senate operates strictly within its rules and procedures. “Kung may magmo-motion, aaksyunan yan, pagde-debatehan yan at pagbobotohan,” he said. “Pero kung walang mag-file, wala kaming aaksyunan.”
He also pointed out that all Senate actions, including roll calls, motions, and resolutions, require voting and follow established protocols. “Pero bawat ginagawa namin, pati na rin pagtawag ng role, hindi ba, pagtawag ng reference of business, pagtayo ng isang miyembro, lahat po yan pinagbobotohan. Sa pamamagitan ng simpleng katanungan, any objection? So ito, ganun din dadaan sa prosesong yan,” Escudero added.
Rejecting Accusations of Bias or Fear
The Senate President responded to accusations from some House members who claimed he was either afraid or protecting the Vice President, which supposedly led to the stalling of impeachment proceedings. He dismissed these claims, saying, “I have long proven that I do not act or decide based on fear. As the Bible says, ‘do it, always afraid.’”
Escudero noted that Vice President Sara Duterte herself publicly stated she does not back the impeachment allegations. He also criticized certain congressmen for trying to pressure the Senate to follow the lower chamber’s direction regarding the impeachment process. “Some congressmen seem used to dictating what they want to happen in the Senate. Well, if their job is to follow the Speaker’s wishes, ours is to uphold due process according to law,” he said.
Respecting Procedures and Senate Independence
The Senate President highlighted that the House of Representatives took over two months before forwarding the impeachment complaint to the Senate without Senate objection. “We respected their process. That is the same courtesy I expect from them,” he said.
With the session nearing its end, Escudero stated that unless a resolution to dismiss the impeachment is formally filed, the Senate will follow its procedural rules. On June 11, if no dismissal occurs, the Senate will officially receive the articles of impeachment, convene as an impeachment court, administer oaths to justices, and issue summons.
The impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte remains a highly sensitive political issue, potentially influencing the 2028 elections and future political alliances. Senate leaders remain firm in their resolve not to be rushed or coerced into premature actions outside official protocols.
For more news and updates on Senate impeachment dismissal resolution, visit Filipinokami.com.