Resolution over Impeachment Trial of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte Circulates in Senate
SARA DUTERTE IMPEACHMENT – Four (4) senators so far have signed the resolution that seeks to push through with the trial.
Following the decision of the Supreme Court that declared the Articles of Impeachment against Vice Pres. Duterte “unconstitutional”, there are questions on whether or not the trial in the Senate will push through. The senators also have different takes on the issue.
According to the Supreme Court, the impeachment complaint against Duterte did not follow the one-year rule in the Constitution. The court also found that the Vice President was denied of her right to due process but stressed that its ruling does not equate to a dismissal of the impeachment charges against her.
The camp of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court over the impeachment articles. Her legal team maintained that they remain ready to address the allegations against the Vice President.
Following the opening of the 20th Congress, Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero said they will decide on the Supreme Court ruling over Vice Pres. Sara Duterte’s impeachment case on August 6. He stressed that it will give the senators “ample time” to study the matter.
Ahead of August 6, some senators have aired their side on whether or not the Senate should push through with the impeachment trial of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte. While the Supreme Court ruling is immediately executory, a motion for reconsideration may be filed and the House of Representatives plan to file one.
Based on a report on Inquirer, a resolution seeking for the impeachment trial of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte to continue is currently circulating in the Senate. Sen. Risa Hontiveros is determine to block all motions to dismiss the impeachment trial of Vice Pres. Sara Duterte saying it is allegedly “premature” to decide on the dismissal.
Based on the report, aside from Sen. Risa Hontiveros, senators Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino as well as Senate Minority Leader Tito Sotto have also signed the resolution seeking for the impeachment trial of Vice Pres. Duterte. According to Hontiveros, for her, it is about finding “balance”.
“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,” Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros voted for Senate Minority Leader Tito Sotto for the Senate presidency. They both belong to the five-person Minority Bloc in the 20th Congress.
Despite the two (2) returning senators voting for Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero, Sen. Risa Hontiveros recently clarified her ties with senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan after they joined the Senate majority.