House Prosecution Challenges Senate Impeachment Court Move
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives’ prosecution team firmly argues there is no legal foundation in the Senate impeachment court’s decision to send back the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte. From the outset, the prosecution emphasized that the complaint filed does not breach the 1987 Constitution.
The panel made this stance clear in a formal submission to the impeachment court on Wednesday, distributing a copy to the media the same day. “This submission is without waiver of the Prosecution’s position that there is no legal basis for the return of the Articles of Impeachment forwarded to the Senate in accordance with the 1987 Constitution,” the document stated.
House of Representatives Holds Ground Amid Senate’s Remand
Earlier this month, the House deferred accepting the Articles of Impeachment returned by the Senate through House Resolution No. 2346, adopted on June 11 during their plenary session. This resolution was sent back to the Senate certifying that the impeachment process initiated on February 5 complied fully with constitutional provisions, sources said.
Before this, 18 senators serving as judges voted in favor of a motion introduced by Senator-Judge Alan Peter Cayetano. The motion proposed sending the Articles of Impeachment back to the House to address concerns about constitutional safeguards and jurisdiction.
Senate Motion Seeks Certification from House
Cayetano’s motion requested that the Articles be remanded without dismissing the case until two conditions are met: first, the House must certify that the impeachment complaint does not violate Article XI, Section 3, paragraph 5 of the Constitution. This section prohibits initiating impeachment against the same official more than once within a year, considering the circumstances of the initial three complaints filed.
Second, the House of Representatives of the 20th Congress must notify the Senate of its willingness to continue pursuing the complaint against the vice president. The remand decision followed a motion by Senator-Judge Ronald dela Rosa to dismiss the complaints against Duterte, which Cayetano later amended.
Meanwhile, five members of the 23-person impeachment court opposed the motion, local leaders noted.
Legal Debate Highlights Constitutional Safeguards
This ongoing legal debate highlights the tension between the House and Senate regarding the impeachment process. Prosecution members assert the complaint against Vice President Duterte was properly filed and within constitutional bounds, while the Senate judges seek further assurances to prevent procedural breaches.
The House’s stance underscores their commitment to uphold the impeachment proceedings despite the Senate’s reservations. At the heart of the issue is ensuring strict adherence to constitutional provisions, particularly regarding the frequency and validity of impeachment complaints.
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