Several senators have voiced their objection to the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision that declared the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte unconstitutional.
Senator Risa Hontiveros said that she was shocked by the decision, saying that the Court itself acknowledged that Duterte was not free from accountability.
“All officials of the land have to answer for every Filipino, and the constitutional right of the people to hold their highest officials accountable must always prevail. The people have every right to demand answers. We will fight for this.” Hontiveros said.
She also warned that the SC's decision is setting a dangerous criterion that could prevent future efforts to hold a public official accountable.
“Public office is a public trust,” Hontiveros stated.
Hontiveros’ political ally Sen. Bam Aquino was in accord, saying that the trial must continue.
“Nananawagan ako sa mga kapwa Senador na agad magsagawa ng caucus para talakayin ang desisyong binabalewala ang aming tungkulin sa Saligang Batas,” Aquino quoted.
However, several other senators offered more moderate responses, all insisting that the law must be followed.
Sen. Tito Sotto, Sen. Francis Escudero’s main competitor for the senate presidency, said that he would rather hear what the House of Representative had to say.
“I was just told by a legal luminary that in this situation, we can disregard the SC decision. Let me study that advice,” he said.
Sen. Joel Villanueva, Escudero’s ally in the Senate, stood by the decision that the impeachment court be made to ask the House to explain the articles.
“As an impeachment court and as a legislative body, we remain committed to following the Constitution and established procedures and will continue to do so,” Villanueva said.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said that he accepted the SC’s decision, saying that he anticipated that the Senate would accept it.
“As a co-equal branch of government, we must abide by the decision of the Supreme Court. Even in a political process like impeachment proceedings, we must adhere to established procedures and due process to ensure that our actions are neither arbitrary nor solely driven by political agendas,” Estrada stated.
Meanwhile, Duterte’s allies in the Senate were quick to be delighted at the decision, including Sen. Imee Marcos, who said it was time to wrap it up and work.
