Politics Philippine Senate Archives Impeachment Complaint Against VP Dute

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Photo courtesy of Manila Bulletin

 

In a decisive move, the Philippine Senate has archived the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, aligning with the Supreme Court's declaration that the impeachment efforts were unconstitutional. With 19 senators voting in favour, four opposing, and one abstaining, the resolution ends a contentious chapter in Philippine politics that saw the legislative and judicial branches collide.

 

The impeachment complaint against Duterte, initially initiated by the House of Representatives, was deemed null and void by the Supreme Court on 25th July 2025. The decision emphasised that the Senate never had jurisdiction over the case, a finding that has been met with both support and scepticism within the Senate.

 

Senator Rodante Marcoleta pushed the motion to archive the complaint, which the Senate acted upon following considerable deliberation. His motion was supported by Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero, who underscored the necessity of adhering to the rule of law and constitutional supremacy. Escudero’s vote was not just a procedural one but a statement reinforcing the Senate's role as a protector of justice, free from political manoeuvring.

 

Escudero also conveyed a pointed message to the House of Representatives, urging them to refrain from becoming entangled in personal vendettas disguised as political processes. His comments reflected broader concerns about the politicisation of impeachment.

 

However, dissent came from Senate Minority Leader Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, who argued the decision was premature given that the Supreme Court ruling was under appeal. Sotto remains sceptical, emphasising the importance of awaiting a final judgment to avoid prematurely closing the case.

 

Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa reasoned that respect for the Supreme Court's decision is paramount, aligning with historical precedents where the Senate has respected the judiciary's rulings. He cautioned against selective adherence, framing it as a potential risk to institutional stability.

 

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada echoed these sentiments, asserting that no one, including the Senate, is above the law. He highlighted the gravity of the Constitution as the nation's supreme law and warned against allowing political passions to overshadow legal obligations.

 

Others, like Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, opted to abstain, citing the pending appeal as justification for patience. Lacson expressed a desire to await the Supreme Court’s final word, underscoring his respect for judicial process without preempting conclusions.

 

Voting against archiving, Senator Risa Hontiveros defended the Senate's constitutional role to try impeachment cases, arguing that the body was shirking its responsibilities. She lamented the Senate's decision as an abandonment of accountability, asserting that impeachment is a crucial mechanism for holding power to account.

 

Conversely, Senator Loren Legarda supported the motion while maintaining respect for the pending appeal, acknowledging the fluid nature of judicial pronouncements.

 

This Senate decision marks a significant development in the ongoing discourse over constitutional interpretation and institutional boundaries in the Philippines. It exemplifies the delicate balance of power between branches of government, where each decision resonates with implications for accountability and governance.

 

The weight of this decision is felt beyond the Senate chambers, affecting public perception and trust in political processes. As the Philippines continues navigating these waters, the pivotal role of adherence to the rule of law remains a guiding principle amid the noise of political contestation.

 

For now, the archival of Duterte’s impeachment complaint may have quelled immediate tensions, yet it has also set the stage for further scrutiny and debate over the dynamics of power, justice, and governance in the nation. The evolving narrative around this issue will be one to watch, as it unfolds against the backdrop of the country's complex political landscape.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2025-08-07