Senate Return Articles Impeachment Raises Alarm
Speaker Martin Romualdez has expressed deep concern over the Senate judges’ decision to return the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte back to the House of Representatives. This move by the Senate, acting as an impeachment court, has stirred controversy and questions about the impeachment process.
Romualdez highlighted that the articles of impeachment were transmitted by the House in full compliance with the Constitution and supported by 215 members who responded to the people’s demand for accountability. “The decision of the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, to return the articles of impeachment is deeply concerning,” Romualdez said during his closing remarks for the 19th Congress on June 11.
House Defends Impeachment Process
The House leader emphasized that their actions were not rushed but carefully carried out in accordance with the law and their constitutional mandate. “The House of Representatives acted not out of haste, but with deliberate care. We followed the law. We honored our mandate. And above all, we stood for what the Filipino people deserve — a government that answers to its citizens,” Romualdez stated.
He further clarified that the impeachment is a constitutional duty, not a political exercise, and vowed to push forward respectfully yet firmly. Romualdez, representing Leyte’s 1st district and president of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), said the House will comply with the Senate’s orders despite their concerns.
Compliance and Next Steps
“We shall comply with the requirements of the impeachment court, not to abandon our cause, but to ensure the process continues. Because in matters of truth and accountability, the House does not back down,” Romualdez affirmed.
Earlier on Wednesday, the House adopted a motion to defer acceptance of the articles until the Senate, sitting as the impeachment court, addressed clarifications raised by the panel of prosecutors regarding the remand of the articles. Eleven House members serve as prosecutors, while 23 senators act as judges in this historic impeachment trial.
Historic Impeachment Case
Vice President Sara Duterte is the first to face impeachment in Philippine history. The House initially submitted the articles of impeachment on February 5, setting a precedent in the country’s political landscape.
Observers noted that the Senate’s 18-5 vote to return the articles was based on constitutional compliance concerns. However, the House maintains that the process was lawful and transparent, underscoring the commitment to uphold accountability in government.
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