Senate Awaits House Confirmation on Articles of Impeachment
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said on June 12 that the House of Representatives has not yet confirmed whether it accepted the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte. The Senate, acting as the impeachment court, returned the documents to the House but has yet to receive acknowledgment.
This delay follows the House’s certification on June 11 that the impeachment complaint complies with the 1987 Constitution. However, the House postponed formally accepting the Articles until the Senate responds to their questions about the document’s return. Escudero emphasized that all impeachment-related communications should occur through official pleadings, not via social media.
“Ulitin ko, impeachment court ang magpapasya nyan, pero dalawa ang kautusan ng impeachment court,” Escudero said during an ambush interview in Malolos, Bulacan. He clarified that the impeachment court requires not only attestation of compliance with the one-year ban rule but also confirmation that the House remains interested in pursuing the case once the new Congress convenes, as that is when the trial will start.
“Yun ang pasya ng impeachment court. Bilang mga taga-usig, dapat nilang galangin at sundin yun. Kapareho din sa parte ni VP Sara, dapat galangin at sundin din yung summons na in-issue ng impeachment court,” Escudero added, stressing respect for the court’s orders by all parties.
Senate Votes to Return Articles Without Dismissal
On June 10, eighteen senators voted to send the Articles of Impeachment back to the House without dismissing or terminating the case. The Senate’s impeachment court also ordered the House to certify that the complaint did not breach the constitutional one-year ban on filing impeachment charges.
Alongside this, the Senate issued a writ of summons to Vice President Sara Duterte, requiring her to respond to the complaint within a strict 10-day, non-extendible period, per Article 7 of the impeachment rules.
When asked about House Speaker Martin Romualdez’s concern over the Senate’s actions, Escudero refrained from commenting. He pointed out that only the impeachment court can determine the implications of the House’s decisions on the Articles of Impeachment.
Furthermore, Escudero noted that the Supreme Court is the only body empowered to rule on whether sending Duterte’s case back to the House violates the Constitution.
For more news and updates on Articles of Impeachment, visit Filipinokami.com.
