Senate Returns Articles of Impeachment: A Controversial Move
Camarines Sur 3rd district Rep. Gabriel Bordado expressed feeling “insulted” and “disappointed” by the Senate’s decision to return the articles of impeachment to the House of Representatives. The senator-judges’ move to remand the case instead of proceeding with the impeachment trial caught many by surprise.
Bordado, a key figure among those who signed the impeachment complaint, said the Senate impeachment court could have simply asked the House prosecution panel for clarifications regarding the articles against Vice President Sara Duterte. Instead, they chose to return the case, which Bordado felt was unnecessary and disrespectful.
“The Senate seemed to be trying to supervise the House,” Bordado said. He reminded that both chambers are co-equal branches of government. “If they had doubts, they could have sent clarificatory communications instead of remanding the case. Nakakainsulto yung ginawa nila eh,” he added.
Unexpected Senate Vote Stuns Complaint Signatories
The Senate impeachment court voted 18-5-0 to send back the articles but without dismissing or ending the case. They asked the House to certify that the complaint didn’t violate Article XI, Section 3, paragraph 5 of the Constitution, which limits impeachment proceedings against the same official to three times in one year.
Bordado, who also endorsed the third impeachment complaint, argued that the House did not breach this constitutional limit. He explained that the fourth complaint was merely a consolidation of the previous three filings. “I was really stunned by what happened last night,” he shared.
“Kami nag sign doon, kasi we believe na tama ang ipinasok sa Senado. First time na ibinalik sa House of Representatives. I am really very disappointed with the Senate of the Philippines,” Bordado emphasized.
Clarifications and Constitutional Concerns
The Senate’s request for certification focuses on whether the articles of impeachment comply with the constitutional provision limiting the number of filings. The House must prove that the complaint is valid and does not violate the one-year limit.
Despite the setback, Bordado remains firm that the complaint was properly filed and that the Senate’s action undermines the trial process. He expected the Senate to move forward after Senate President Francis Escudero’s remarks but was instead met with the remand decision.
The controversy highlights the tension between the two chambers in handling high-profile impeachment cases. Bordado’s reaction reflects broader concerns about respect for institutional processes and the balance of power.
For more news and updates on impeachment proceedings, visit Filipinokami.com.