Senate Minority Leader on Senate Resolution Dismissal
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III strongly warned that any attempt to dismiss the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte through a Senate resolution while the chamber remains in legislative session would be improper. He emphasized that the Senate resolution dismissal is out of order and only the Senate sitting as an impeachment court has the authority to rule on the case.
Pimentel clarified in a DZMM interview that although the same senators serve in both legislative and judicial roles, the impeachment process must be strictly followed. “Ang kinoconsider namin mga bills and resolutions, ito iba to. Ito gusto mong i-dismiss summarily ang isang kaso na pending sa parehong mga tao pero pending sa aming kakayahan or responsibility bilang senator judges, hindi bilang mambabatas,” he said. He added, “Eh nasa mambabatas mode pa kami. Hindi mo pwedeng ipadismiss yung kaso na kami rin ang mag-handle pero sa ibang kapasidad. So out of order po yun.”
Concerns Over Senate Integrity and Transparency
Pimentel expressed deep concern over the Senate’s integrity amid moves to summarily dismiss the impeachment complaint without a proper trial. He criticized sudden changes in the impeachment calendar and the appearance of draft resolutions aimed at dismissing the complaint. Originally, the Senate planned to read the articles of impeachment on June 2 and convene as an impeachment court on June 3. However, the reading was reset to June 11, and the court convening was not explicitly rescheduled.
“Dapat ito wala nang gulatan eh,” he said, questioning the sudden shift. “Nakakagulat na yun. Bakit gano’n? Nalimutan lang ba yung convening of the court? Or alam mo na na hindi talaga naisulat kasi baka walang plano?” The circulation of dismissal draft resolutions only heightened his suspicions.
Constitutional Obligations and Trial Process
Pimentel warned that bypassing the Senate impeachment trial would violate the Constitution. “Yung pag-aayaw na litisin ang impeachment case unconstitutional yun,” he said. “Paglabag sa constitution yun, So yung mga senator na iiwas at aayawan ang paglilitis ng impeachment case, ano yun, violator ng constitution yun kaya ‘wag nilang gawin yun.”
He stressed that senators have a constitutional duty to conduct the impeachment trial and deliver a verdict based on evidence, whether guilty or not guilty. The senator also pointed out a lack of transparency and coordination within the Senate, noting the absence of an all-senators caucus on the matter.
“Wala nga eh. Kaya nga nakakadagdag yan sa worry natin,” he added.
Questioning Schedule Changes and Calls for Good Faith
When asked about Senator Escudero’s explanation that the schedule adjustments prioritized legislation, Pimentel initially accepted the reasoning. However, he grew doubtful once the June 3 court convening was omitted from the reschedule and Escudero used vague phrases like “if ever” and “plenary is supreme.”
“Yung mga ganyang salita, yan ang nakakabigay ng worry sa atin,” Pimentel noted. He urged fellow senators to act in good faith and adhere strictly to constitutional processes.
With only three session days left before the Senate recess, he stressed the urgency for clarity and accountability. “So dapat everybody must act with good faith. Pag sumagot tayo, sumagot tayo ng klaro,” he said. “Good faith lahat kasi kung yung mga sagot natin ay hindi natin naintindihan palaging double meaning pagdududahan ang buong Senado niyan ang masisira yung institusyon, dapat i-preserve namin yung integrity ng aming institusyon.”
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