Manila: Senators from the minority bloc expressed strong reservations on Thursday over the Senate's decision to archive the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, warning that it set a troubling precedent for future accountability proceedings. Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros said the 19-4-1 vote to archive the complaint effectively 'abandoned' the Senate's constitutional mandate to act as an impeachment court.
According to Philippines News Agency, Hontiveros emphasized the importance of taking their constitutional duties seriously, expressing disappointment with the Senate's decision to archive the complaint rather than tabling it as initially proposed by Senate Minority Leader Vicente "Tito" Sotto III. She pointed out that archiving the complaint imposed a higher threshold to reopen the case, requiring another majority vote should the Supreme Court reverse its previous ruling.
The Supreme Court had declared the Articles of Impeachment 'null and void ab initio,' noting that the Senate never acquired jurisdiction. However, Hontiveros highlighted that the House of Representatives had filed a motion for reconsideration, which the Court has yet to resolve. She questioned the urgency of the Senate's decision, suggesting that more information should have been awaited before making a decision on the trial.
Senator Panfilo Lacson, who abstained from the final vote, claimed credit for averting the outright dismissal of the complaint, which would have permanently barred its revival. He explained that his intervention persuaded Senator Rodante Marcoleta to amend his motion from dismissal to archiving, allowing for the possibility of the case being revived under certain conditions.
Meanwhile, Senator Francis Pangilinan, who also voted against the motion to archive, criticized the Senate's decision as premature, arguing that inter-chamber courtesy should have been exercised by waiting for the Supreme Court to rule on the House's motion for reconsideration. He warned of the broader constitutional implications, emphasizing the need for accuracy in the facts underlying the High Court's ruling.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano stressed the importance of handling impeachment cases with care, describing them as extraordinary remedies meant to protect the nation. He noted that the Supreme Court's decision does not render future impeachments impossible, citing the decision's clear guidelines for properly initiating such proceedings.
In another statement, Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito highlighted the importance of honoring the roles of each branch of government. He acknowledged the Senate's sole power to try and decide all impeachment cases, but also emphasized the Supreme Court's role as the sole interpreter of laws, urging respect for its ruling.
Hontiveros noted that should the Supreme Court uphold its decision, a new impeachment case may still be filed by civil society or House members after February 6, 2026, one year after the initial complaint was transmitted. Until then, members of the Senate minority pledged to continue advocating for transparency, accountability, and respect for the constitutional process.
