MANILA, Philippines — The Senate took a decisive step with a supermajority vote of 19 to archive the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte. The decision to archive means setting aside the case and removing it from the chamber’s active records, a move that requires majority approval.
The phrase impeachment case vice president was central in Wednesday’s session, where lawmakers debated the implications of the Supreme Court ruling that declared the articles of impeachment null and void.
Lawmakers Oppose Archiving the Case
Despite the overwhelming vote, four senators stood against the motion to archive. These dissenting voices included Senate Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III, Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, and Sen. Bam Aquino. Meanwhile, Sen. Ping Lacson abstained, citing concerns over the Supreme Court’s pending motion for reconsideration and the phrase “immediately executory” in the ruling.
Leaders Uphold Rule of Law
Senate President Francis Escudero and Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada both explained their yes votes by emphasizing their commitment to the Rule of Law and respect for the Supreme Court’s authority. Escudero stated, “Let this chamber be remembered not for the passions we inflamed, but for the principles we upheld. I vote yes to the motion. I vote yes to the Rule of Law, yes to the Constitution, yes to the supremacy of the Supreme Court in interpreting it.” Such remarks underscored the Senate’s role in maintaining the balance within the country’s republican government.
Duterte Allies Support Archiving
The so-called Duterte bloc in the Senate also voted in favor of archiving the impeachment case. Senators Imee Marcos, Bato dela Rosa, Rodante Marcoleta, Robin Padilla, Camille Villar, Mark Villar, and Bong Go backed the Supreme Court ruling, describing the impeachment articles as unconstitutional.
Sen. Marcos urged members of the House of Representatives to focus on changing their Speaker rather than targeting the Vice President, who she said enjoys popular support. “Why not change your Speaker? You guys can do that,” Marcos remarked.
Sen. Go added, “Let us move on in order for us to do our mandate — and this is to craft laws that would help our countrymen,” highlighting the need to focus on legislative duties instead of prolonged political battles.
Minority Lawmakers Defend Impeachment Process
On the other hand, Sen. Hontiveros, who voted against archiving, argued that the Supreme Court decision is not yet final due to pending motions. She highlighted that the Senate itself effectively ended the impeachment proceedings. Hontiveros insisted that impeachment is a vital tool to hold powerful officials accountable, stating, “Whether we dismiss or archive the articles of impeachment, it’s harder to dismiss or archive the demands of people in terms of accountability and justice.”
Her remarks reminded fellow senators of the deeper purpose behind impeachment beyond procedural matters.
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