Senator Dela Rosa Moves to Dismiss Impeachment Complaint
In a surprising shift, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa filed a motion on Tuesday to dismiss the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte. This move came just a day after he took his oath as a senator-judge for the upcoming impeachment trial. The senator cited what he called “constitutional infirmities” and doubts about the 20th Congress’s authority to proceed with the case.
“In view of its constitutional infirmities and the serious questions regarding the jurisdiction and authority of the 20th Congress, I move that this impeachment complaint be dismissed,” Dela Rosa declared during the plenary session. His motion to dismiss the complaint caught many lawmakers off guard, especially since the Senate had just agreed the day before to convene as an impeachment court and start the trial process.
Emotional Support Surges in Senate
Following Dela Rosa’s motion, Senator Robinhood Padilla expressed strong support with a loud “Allahu Akbar!” across the chamber. Padilla also previously filed a resolution to declare the impeachment complaint “terminated.” He openly stated his loyalty by saying, “Kahit sunugin mo ‘ko dito, mangangamoy Rodrigo Roa Duterte ako.”
This dramatic development surprised many, given that Dela Rosa was among the senators who had just taken their oath as senator-judges on Monday, signaling their readiness to fulfill their constitutional responsibility.
Impeachment Complaint Sparks Debate
The impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte was filed by the House of Representatives in the final days of their session in February. It has since stirred mixed reactions among lawmakers. Some senators argue the timing is too late in the legislative calendar to hold a meaningful trial. Others insist that the process must proceed to maintain constitutional checks and balances.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has ruled that the Senate must first convene as an impeachment court before ruling on Dela Rosa’s motion. As this unfolds, senators are preparing to formally swear in as senator-judges.
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