Senate Impeachment Court Returns Articles Amid Legal Debate
The House prosecution team strongly contests the Senate impeachment court’s decision to return the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte. They argue there is no legal basis for this move, emphasizing that the complaint does not breach the Constitution.
This stance was clearly stated in the House’s formal submission to the impeachment court on Wednesday. House Records Management Service Director Billy Uy handed over the pleadings to the Clerk of Court shortly after noon. “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, which was shared with media outlets the same day.
House Defers Acceptance of Returned Articles
Earlier, the House adopted Resolution No. 2346 during its plenary session on June 11, formally postponing the acceptance of the Articles returned by the Senate. They also submitted a copy of the resolution to the Senate, certifying that the impeachment process initiated last February 5 complied fully with the constitutional provisions.
Senate Votes to Return Articles for Review
Before this, 18 senator-judges supported Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s motion to send back the Articles of Impeachment to the House. They said this step was necessary to protect constitutional safeguards and clarify jurisdictional issues. Cayetano’s motion did not dismiss the case but required the House to address specific conditions before proceeding.
These conditions include the House certifying that the impeachment complaint does not violate Article XI, Section 3, paragraph 5 of the Constitution, which prohibits filing multiple impeachment proceedings against the same official within one year, considering the status of previous complaints. Additionally, the House must communicate its willingness to pursue the impeachment process against the vice president.
Motion Originated from Dismissal Proposal
The decision to return the documents followed a motion by Senator Ronald dela Rosa to dismiss the complaints against Vice President Duterte. However, this motion was amended by Cayetano to remand the articles instead, allowing the process to continue once the House fulfills the specified requirements.
Five of the 23 senator-judges opposed the motion, signaling a split in the impeachment court. Local leaders noted this division reflects the complex legal and political challenges surrounding the case.
For more news and updates on Senate impeachment court, visit Filipinokami.com.