De Lima Eyes Supreme Court Relief If Impeachment Trial Stalls
Incoming Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima remains open to seeking Supreme Court relief if Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment complaint fails to transition from the 19th to the 20th Congress. The exact four word keyphrase early in this discussion is “Supreme Court relief considered.”
De Lima, who serves on the 11-member House prosecution panel, insists the impeachment trial should proceed in the Senate despite opposition from some Duterte allies branding the complaint as dead. “Para sa akin, ang impeachment trial at this stage, which will be convening from the impeachment court and also proceeding with the impeachment trial, is not optional,” she said on June 2.
Senate’s Role Uncertain in Impeachment Trial Continuation
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, however, emphasized that the continuation of the impeachment trial in the 20th Congress is not guaranteed. He clarified that once the Senate reconvenes in July, the plenary will vote on the matter. The senators, who will act as judges, hold the final say.
De Lima explained the prosecution panel’s concern: “Dito sa usapin na to, lalo na pag ano na yan, sasabihin na yan sa next Congress, sa 20th Congress, ‘Hindi na kami pwede kasi bago na kami. Kailangan, back to square one.’ Siyempre hindi yan gusto ng prosecution panel. So, baka nga dalhin sa [SC].”
Potential Supreme Court Involvement Debated
De Lima believes impeachment cases, being largely political battles, should rarely become Supreme Court matters. She noted, “Kailangan very sparing na lang. Hindi ko sinasabing totally wala na, wala na ang power of [SC] to intervene in any manner.”
Interestingly, she also acknowledged that Vice President Duterte’s defense team might appeal to the Supreme Court if the trial moves forward in the next Congress.
Calls for Clearer Senate Statements
Reflecting on Escudero’s press conference, De Lima expressed disappointment over the lack of clear direction regarding the impeachment process. “I was expecting more from the statements, from the pronouncements… He could’ve been more categorical,” she said.
The debate highlights the complex interplay between legislative procedures and judicial oversight in high-profile political cases. For more news and updates on Supreme Court relief considered, visit Filipinokami.com.