Senator Calls for Status Quo Ante Order Amid VP Impeachment
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Kiko Pangilinan has urged the Supreme Court to issue a status quo ante order and hold oral arguments concerning the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. This appeal comes after the House of Representatives filed a motion for reconsideration, seeking to overturn the high court’s dismissal of the impeachment trial.
The Supreme Court previously declared the articles of impeachment against the vice president unconstitutional and void from the start. In light of the motion for reconsideration, Pangilinan called on the court to revisit the case, invoking a suggestion made by retired Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban.
“Because a motion for reconsideration was already filed, we respectfully ask the Supreme Court to consider the earlier suggestion of retired Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban: One, issue a status quo ante order and two, conduct oral arguments,” he said in Filipino.
Understanding the Status Quo Ante Order
A status quo ante order would preserve the situation as it was before the controversy escalated. In this instance, it means maintaining the impeachment complaint pending before the Senate. Pangilinan believes this approach allows all parties—the Senate, House of Representatives, Supreme Court, and the legal community—to pause and prevent the country from descending into a prolonged constitutional conflict.
Seeking Fairness and Legal Clarity
“We respectfully appeal to the Supreme Court, being the final arbiter of all discourse in relation to the constitution, to decide on the motion for reconsideration towards a path similar as their ruling in the case of Civil Liberties Union vs. Executive Secretary where they unite and gave legal validity and binding effect to the primary rights in accordance with the constitution, power and duty of Supreme Court, House of Representatives, and the Senate,” Pangilinan added.
By calling for oral arguments, the senator hopes to ensure transparency and equal opportunity for all sides to present their case. This step could help clarify the constitutional boundaries and duties of each branch of government involved in the impeachment process.
Local leaders noted the significance of this move, emphasizing its potential to uphold democratic principles and maintain the rule of law amid political tensions.
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