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Senate Impeachment Court defers to SC on VP Sara case

Philippine News Agency

By Wilnard Bacelonia
July 25, 2025, 6:35 pm

MANILA -- The Senate, sitting as an Impeachment Court, on Friday said it respects the Supreme Court's ruling declaring as unconstitutional the impeachment articles filed against Vice President Sara Duterte.

In a statement, Senate Impeachment Court spokesperson lawyer Regie Tongol said the decision affirms the chamber's careful and deliberate approach in seeking constitutional clarity before moving forward with any trial.

"The Senate, sitting as an Impeachment Court, has always acted in deference to the Constitution and the rule of law. As a co-equal branch of government, we are duty-bound to respect the finality of rulings issued by the High Court," Tongol said.

He added that the ruling upholds the Senate majority's position to act with prudence and restraint amid unresolved legal questions surrounding the complaint.

"We now await the formal transmittal of the Supreme Court's decision and any related guidance that may affect the Impeachment Court's jurisdiction moving forward," he said.

The Senate also reiterated its commitment to uphold constitutional order, ensure due process, and protect the integrity of democratic institutions.

Mixed reactions

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada welcomed the decision, calling it a vital reminder that all efforts to hold public officials accountable must be anchored in legality and due process.

"While I cannot speak for or on behalf of my colleagues on this matter, the Senate has always been firmly committed to the rule of law, and I expect the body, when we convene the 20th Congress, to take a collective stand by acceding to the High Court's decision," Estrada said.

"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," he added.

Estrada said the Senate can now focus on urgent national concerns, including the rehabilitation of communities affected by recent typhoons.

Senator Imee Marcos, meanwhile, called on her colleagues to accept the ruling and move forward.

"Galangin at respetuhin ang desisyon ng Korte Suprema. Sa mga kasamahan kong senador—trabaho na tayo! 'Wag na mamulitika! (Let us respect the Supreme Court's decision. To my fellow senators—let's get back to work and stop politicking)," she said.

Senator Joel Villanueva expressed support for the Senate's cautious approach.

"The Senate has always acted with prudence, not haste. We remain guided by our duty to uphold the rule of law and respect due process. 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.

Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed disappointment, describing the high court's move to stop the impeachment trial as abrupt and worrying.

"Maliwanag naman na sinabi ng Korte Suprema na hindi nila pinapawalang-sala si VP Duterte, at maaaring mai-file ang impeachment complaint ulit next year (The Supreme Court clearly said it is not exonerating VP Duterte, and that an impeachment complaint may be filed again next year)," she said in a statement.

Senator Bam Aquino echoed similar sentiments, maintaining that the trial should have proceeded.

"Matibay ang aking paninindigan na dapat ipagpatuloy ang impeachment trial. Bilang co-equal branch, malinaw ang mandato ng konstitusyon at kapangyarihan ng senado, kaya nararapat na irespesto ang proseso ng impeachment (I firmly believe the impeachment trial should proceed. As a co-equal branch, the Senate's constitutional mandate is clear and the impeachment process should be respected)." Aquino said.

The SC's decision effectively halts the impeachment proceedings against the Vice President, pending any further motions or developments. (PNA)