Supreme Court Supports Senate Impeachment Court’s Careful Approach
The Supreme Court’s recent order declaring the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte unconstitutional reinforces the Senate impeachment court’s careful approach to the case. The Senate impeachment court spokesperson emphasized that the ruling confirms their belief that the impeachment articles required legal clarification before proceeding with the trial.
“We acknowledge the Supreme Court’s decision declaring the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte as unconstitutional,” said the Senate impeachment court. This decision affirms the court’s cautious and deliberate stance, recognizing that constitutional questions needed to be addressed first. According to sources, the ruling validates the prudence exercised by the Senate majority from the start.
Awaiting Formal Transmittal and Guidance
The Senate impeachment court confirmed they are now waiting for the formal transmittal of the Supreme Court order. They reiterated their commitment to respecting the Constitution and the rule of law, as a co-equal branch of government.
“The Senate, sitting as an Impeachment Court, has always acted in deference to the Constitution and the rule of law. We are duty-bound to respect the finality of rulings issued by the High Court,” the impeachment court stated. They further assured that the Senate remains dedicated to maintaining constitutional order, ensuring due process, and safeguarding democratic institutions.
Background of the Impeachment Proceedings
Vice President Sara Duterte faced impeachment after 215 lawmakers filed a fourth complaint on February 5. The complaint cited allegations of misuse of confidential funds, threats against officials, and other constitutional violations. The House promptly forwarded the articles of impeachment to the Senate, as required by the 1987 Constitution when at least one-third of House members endorse a complaint.
Two petitions followed to stop the impeachment proceedings. Mindanao-based lawyers argued that the House failed to act within the Constitution’s 10-session-day rule. Meanwhile, Duterte’s legal team, including her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, claimed the process violated the provision limiting impeachment complaints to one per official per year.
House Defense and Senate Delay
The House responded by clarifying that “session days” differ from calendar or working days, showing records that the complaint was transmitted within the required period. Despite this, the Senate did not immediately begin the trial. The articles were not raised in plenary before the 19th Congress adjourned for the election season.
After elections, expectations grew for the trial’s start. Senator Francis Escudero, then Senate President, invited the prosecution team to read the articles on June 2. The session was later moved to June 11, the last session day of the 19th Congress. However, on June 10, the Senate impeachment court voted to return the articles to the House due to constitutional issues.
Conditions for Trial to Proceed
The Senate impeachment court made clear that the trial would only proceed if two conditions were met. First, the House must certify that the one-impeachment-per-year limit was not violated. Second, the prosecution team from the 20th Congress must confirm its intent to continue the case.
The House complied with the certification, but the prosecution said they could not address the second condition until the 20th Congress convened on July 28. This session begins just hours before the fourth State of the Nation Address.
For more news and updates on Vice President Sara Duterte impeachment, visit Filipinokami.com.
