Senate Urged to Pause Impeachment Trial Amid Supreme Court Motion
MANILA, Philippines — Senators have called for careful consideration before rushing the Senate’s decision on the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, especially with a motion for reconsideration (MR) now pending at the Supreme Court. The phrase motion for reconsideration filed has become central to the debate on how the Senate should proceed.
The Senate is scheduled to decide on August 6 how to move forward with the impeachment case after the Supreme Court declared the complaint unconstitutional for violating the one-year ban on filing impeachment complaints. However, the House of Representatives has already filed a motion asking the Supreme Court to review its ruling.
Senators Call for Patience Until Supreme Court Acts
Senators Bam Aquino and Risa Hontiveros stressed the importance of waiting for the Supreme Court’s final decision on the motion for reconsideration before the Senate takes any further steps. Aquino emphasized that the impeachment process had already started on June 10 during the 19th Congress, with summons issued and replies received.
“For me, the process has already begun — the impeachment already started. Summons were issued, and there has already been a reply. It’s already in motion. So my call to my fellow senators is that we should convene as an impeachment court and decide then what to do — whether to proceed or not to proceed. But what’s important is that we do it on our own terms,” he said in a local broadcast.
He added, “The argument, ‘Why are we rushing?’ is also important. The House of Representatives still has a pending motion for reconsideration. So why don’t we wait for the Supreme Court’s decision on that motion before moving forward?”
Respecting Court Decisions and Senate Independence
Aquino acknowledged that ultimately, the Senate must respect the Supreme Court’s ruling. Still, he insisted, “But as a senator, I believe it’s important that we stand firm for the independence of the Senate.”
Hontiveros agreed, highlighting that the Senate impeachment court has two clear options: to proceed with the trial or wait for the court’s final ruling. She questioned calls to dismiss the case immediately, noting that no evidence or witnesses have yet been presented for the court to evaluate.
“I mean, why are we in such a rush, right?” she asked, noting that many senators favor placing the process on hold until the Supreme Court delivers its final decision.
Calls for Appeal and Senate Dynamics
Along with Senators Aquino and Hontiveros, Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III have signed a draft resolution urging the Senate to appeal the Supreme Court’s decision. Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada pointed out that about 19 to 20 senators might vote to respect the court’s ruling.
Despite this, Aquino remains hopeful that his colleagues may reconsider. “Because at the minimum, why are we rushing when there’s still a motion for reconsideration? Maybe we should wait for the Supreme Court’s decision on that motion first,” he said.
“So we’ll all present different points tomorrow. Who knows? Maybe tomorrow, there might be a change of heart. Some of my colleagues might decide to postpone the decision to dismiss the case,” Aquino added.
For more news and updates on the impeachment trial, visit Filipinokami.com.
