Senate Votes Archive Impeachment Case Against VP Sara Duterte
Several guests staged a walkout from the Senate session hall, showing thumbs-down signs while senators explained their votes to archive the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte. This move to archive the case sparked visible dissent among some attendees.
A video shared by progressive groups captured Tindig Pilipinas co-convenor Kiko Dee standing up and signaling disapproval after Senator Rodante Marcoleta finished explaining his support for archiving the complaint. Following his lead, Akbayan Partylist President Rafaela David and other progressive leaders also left as Senator Imee Marcos began her vote explanation. Senate staff then escorted them out of the session.
Senate Leadership Responds to Protests
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada quickly intervened after the walkouts. He instructed Senate personnel to identify those “creating trouble” and remove them from the building. Estrada asked, “Who are these people almost creating trouble there?” and urged staff to trace their identities and ensure they leave the premises.
Akbayan Partylist Condemns Senate Decision
In an official statement, Akbayan branded the Senate’s action a “farce and group of clowns,” equating the archiving of the impeachment complaint with outright dismissal. The partylist viewed the Senate’s decision as a betrayal of its constitutional responsibility, saying, “The Senate, once a bastion of democracy and check on abuse, has today declared itself the Senate of the Dutertes.”
They further warned that while the senators blocked the impeachment from proceeding, “they will not escape the judgment of the people. History will remember those who turned their backs on justice. The people shall remember who they must hold accountable.”
Senate Votes Archive Impeachment Case: The Vote Breakdown
The decision to archive the impeachment case was an amendment to Senator Marcoleta’s original proposal to dismiss it. This followed the Supreme Court’s ruling that the impeachment complaint against Duterte was unconstitutional.
Senators voted 19 in favor to archive the case, 4 against, and 1 abstention. The move effectively halted the impeachment process before it could proceed to trial.
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