The supreme court: The Supreme Court (SC) has dismissed the consolidated petitions challenging the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte in the House of Representatives on the grounds of mootness.
According to Philippines News Agency, the petitions were filed by Vice President Duterte and DDS lawyer Israelito P. Torreon against the lower chamber of Congress. The high tribunal clarified that the issues became moot as the House had already approved and transmitted the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate. This transmittal signifies the conclusion of the House's role in the impeachment process and the commencement of the impeachment trial in the Senate.
The petitioners contended that the House Committee on Justice overstepped its constitutional boundaries by gathering evidence and compelling witnesses during the initial review of the impeachment complaints. They also disputed the Committee's findings on the sufficiency of the complaints in terms of form, substance, and grounds. However, the SC stated that since the Articles of Impeachment had been forwarded to the Senate, the actions the petitioners sought to halt were already completed.
The SC noted that while it may address moot issues in exceptional cases, none of the recognized exceptions applied in this situation. House prosecutor Terry Ridon, from the Bicol Saro Party-list, remarked that the SC's dismissal has ended what Duterte's camp described as a 'mini-trial' and 'fishing expedition.' According to Ridon, the impeachment case should now proceed where the Constitution mandates it to be heard, which is the Senate impeachment court.
Ridon expressed confidence that the proceedings would ultimately serve the public interest, stating that truth, accountability, and the country would emerge victorious. House prosecutor Joel Chua also highlighted that the ruling removed an immediate source of uncertainty, allowing the Senate impeachment court to resolve the charges without interruption.
Chua emphasized the significance of the dismissal, noting that it means the pending petitions can no longer be used to stop a House process that has already concluded. The dismissal, based on mootness, does not determine Vice President Duterte's guilt or innocence nor automatically validate the House's actions or declare the prosecution's evidence admissible.
Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima commented on the SC decision, stating that the fight for truth and accountability now lies with the Senate impeachment court, and all evidence must be seen and heard. The prosecution noted that the dismissal does not prevent Duterte's lawyers from challenging the prosecution's witnesses and documents before the impeachment court. The defense retains the right to object, conduct cross-examination, and present contrary evidence, while the prosecution must establish the Articles through competent evidence. The senator-judges will evaluate the evidence's admissibility, credibility, and weight and ultimately decide whether the charges have been proven.
