Senator Dela Rosa: No Need to Debate Supreme Court Ruling
Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa believes there is no reason for senators to argue over the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. The senator emphasized that the Supreme Court decision on impeachment trial should be accepted without further debate.
“Why debate it when the Supreme Court has already spoken? The Supreme Court has made its decision, so why should we still argue about it?” Dela Rosa told local reporters. He added, “I’m not a lawyer, as I’ve said, but I believe that nobody is supreme or above the Supreme Court—except God.”
Understanding the Supreme Court Decision
Last week, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the impeachment case against Duterte is unconstitutional. They based this on the violation of a one-year ban on filing impeachment complaints. This ruling has significant implications for the ongoing political process in the Senate.
While all government branches are equal, Dela Rosa pointed out that only the Supreme Court holds the constitutional mandate to interpret legal and constitutional matters. This authority, he believes, should guide the Senate’s actions moving forward.
Respecting Senate Procedures Amidst the Ruling
Despite his firm stance, the senator clarified that he will respect Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s decision to allow debate. This will give both supporters and opponents of the ruling a chance to present their arguments. However, Dela Rosa personally feels the case is closed.
“As far as I am concerned, the case against Duterte is already closed,” he said.
House of Representatives Pushes for Reconsideration
The House of Representatives has urged the Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling. They argue that Congress must be allowed to fulfill its constitutional duty to try and decide impeachment cases. The impeachment complaint against Duterte was filed by 215 House members on February 5, which led to the Senate convening as an impeachment court.
When the trial began on June 10, Dela Rosa immediately moved to dismiss the case. Still, his motion was amended by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, who proposed sending the case back to the House.
Dela Rosa’s Position on the Impeachment Trial
This time, Dela Rosa said he plans to listen carefully to the arguments presented on the Senate floor. Nevertheless, he remains inclined to follow the Supreme Court’s ruling.
“As I’ve said, I’m not overeager to move for dismissal,” the senator added, showing a willingness to hear out all sides before making his final decision.
For more news and updates on Supreme Court decision on impeachment trial, visit Filipinokami.com.
