Senate impeachment trial can still push through, says De Lima
The Senate impeachment trial can still push through if the Supreme Court (SC) decides to reverse its initial ruling, former senator and current Mamamayang Liberal party-list Representative Leila de Lima said. She emphasized that while the SC’s unanimous decision declared the impeachment complaint unconstitutional, there remains a possibility for change.
In a brief interview after filing a bill on Monday, De Lima explained that the House of Representatives is preparing to file a motion for reconsideration. If the SC grants this motion, the Senate must comply with the updated order and resume the impeachment proceedings.
Potential for Supreme Court reversal
“That can be changed, if you know, the motion for reconsideration is granted by the Supreme Court, then the Senate cannot also do anything. Let’s say the Supreme Court now says the fourth impeachment complaint is not unconstitutional. We were wrong in the facts,” De Lima told reporters at the Batasang Pambansa complex.
She added, “What if the Supreme Court reconsiders itself and says that the fourth impeachment complaint is a constitutional (step), there was nothing wrong in the process, and therefore it will order the Senate to resume its impeachment proceedings? They won’t have a choice also but to follow the Supreme Court.”
De Lima noted that the SC has previously reversed its own unanimous rulings, though she did not cite specific cases. “That’s why the appeal of the House with the spokesperson, is to wait for the decision on the motion for reconsideration […] there have been instances already., I cannot just cite particular cases, even if it’s unanimous.”
“We’re hoping, but it’s not yet, it’s not yet dead in the water,” she added.
Senate and House reactions to SC ruling
The Senate is slated to convene as an impeachment court on Wednesday to discuss the SC’s decision. The High Tribunal ruled on July 25 that the articles of impeachment forwarded by the House were unconstitutional due to violating the one-year bar rule under the 1987 Constitution.
However, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada revealed that 19 to 20 senators agreed they should respect the SC ruling and halt the impeachment trial. This consensus was reached during a caucus held last Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the House, represented by spokesperson Princess Abante, urged the Senate to postpone any decisions on the trial until the appeal on the motion for reconsideration is resolved.
For more news and updates on Senate impeachment trial, visit Filipinokami.com.
