Majority of Senators Support Supreme Court Ruling
MANILA, Philippines – Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada revealed that 19 to 20 senators are inclined to abide by the Supreme Court ruling on the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. This majority, Estrada noted, believes the Senate should respect the high court’s decision that declared the impeachment complaint unconstitutional.
Estrada shared this insight following a recent all-senator caucus where they discussed the unanimous Supreme Court ruling. “Most of the sentiments of my fellow senators are to abide by the ruling of the Supreme Court,” he told reporters in a mix of Filipino and English.
Body Language and Statements Indicate Senate’s Stance
When asked how many senators want to dismiss the impeachment case immediately, Estrada responded, “Let’s say, to abide by the ruling—around 19 to 20.” He based this estimate on his observation of colleagues’ body language and remarks, adding, “It’s pretty obvious who they are.”
Estrada himself supports ending the impeachment proceedings, citing the Supreme Court’s finding that the complaint violated the one-year ban on filing such cases. “No more [trial]. Because, as the Supreme Court said, the Senate no longer has jurisdiction since what the House of Representatives filed was unconstitutional so we don’t have any jurisdiction anymore. And the Senate will not convene as an impeachment court because we don’t have any jurisdiction anymore,” he explained.
Senate Vote and Possible Motion for Reconsideration
The Senate is scheduled to vote on August 6 to decide whether they will follow the Supreme Court’s ruling. Estrada emphasized that, regardless of any motion for reconsideration filed with the high court, the Senate should proceed with the planned vote.
He warned that ignoring the Supreme Court decision could lead to a constitutional crisis. “And if there is a constitutional crisis, what will happen next? There will be chaos in our government,” he said.
“We are the ones who make the laws, and yet we won’t follow them? That’s awkward. If lawmakers refuse to follow the Supreme Court, how can we expect ordinary citizens with adverse rulings against them to comply? If they don’t, it would lead to chaos in the government.”
Respecting Jurisdiction Despite Senate’s Powers
Estrada acknowledged the Senate’s sole power to try impeachment cases but stressed the need to respect the Supreme Court’s decision. Meanwhile, a resolution is circulating within the Senate aiming to appeal the ruling.
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan confirmed that the draft resolution has been signed by himself, Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, and Senators Risa Hontiveros and Bam Aquino, according to local sources.
For more news and updates on impeachment trial senators, visit Filipinokami.com.
