Will the Senate Proceed with Vice Pres. Sara Duterte’s Impeachment Trial despite the SC Ruling?
SARA DUTERTE’S IMPEACHMENT – Four (4) senators so far have expressed their support for the Senate to proceed to the trial of the Vice President.
Prior to the start of the 20th Congress, the Supreme Court declared the articles of impeachment against Vice Pres. Sara Duterte “unconstitutional”. The court found it against the one-year rule in the Constitution. According to the court, impeachment complaints against the Vice President may only be filed starting February 6, 2026.
The decision of the Supreme Court earned different reactions from the Filipino people as well as the senators. According to Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero, he personally sees no reason for the Senate not to follow the ruling of the high court. Following the opening of the 20th Congress, the senators had a caucus where they have agreed to discuss the matter at a later date.
Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero said the senators have agreed to discuss the Supreme Court ruling over Vice Pres. Sara Duterte’s impeachment case on August 6. The Senate Chief also expressed his belief that it would be safer for the senate to decide on the matter without convening as an impeachment court.
However, ahead of August 6, Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros admitted that she will block all motions that would seek for the dismissal of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. According to her, it is allegedly “premature” for the Senate to decide on the possibility of dismissing the case without the evidence being presented.
Based on a report on Inquirer, Sen. Risa Hontiveros assured that she respects the decision of the Supreme Court but she wants to find balance. She stressed that the Filipino people expects the Senate to hold the public officials accountable.
“My disposition is to find a balance or harmonization between respecting the Supreme Court, upholding our responsibilities in the Senate, and fulfilling our obligations to our fellow Filipinos who expect us to also uphold the accountability of public officials,” the Senator said.
Currently, a resolution seeking for Vice Pres. Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial to proceed is circulating in the Senate. Based on the report, it has gained the support of four (4) senators so far — senators Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino, Senate Minority Leader Tito Sotto, and Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros.
Previously, House Speaker Martin Romualdez asserted the “exclusive” duty of the chamber to initiate an impeachment. He called on the members to not bow in silence to the Supreme Court ruling despite recognizing the decision of the high court.