Manila: Several senators have urged the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision to halt the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, a move the court justified on technical grounds.

According to Philippines News Agency, Senators Francis Pangilinan, Risa Hontiveros, and Bam Aquino issued a joint statement calling on the Supreme Court to "reconsider and apply two principles it has long upheld." They cited the Fairness Principle, which argues against the retroactive application of new legal interpretations that could harm those acting in good faith under previous interpretations, and the Doctrine of Operative Facts, which recognizes actions already taken under a prior valid interpretation as legally effective.

The senators expressed disagreement with the Supreme Court's ruling that halted the Senate's constitutional duty to try the impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte. They argued that Congress had acted in good faith and in accordance with prevailing jurisprudence when initiating and transmitting the complaint. The retroactive application of a new definition of "initiate" in an impeachment case was likened to "changing the rules in the middle of the game," which they described as unfair.

The statement emphasized the importance of upholding the mentioned principles to ensure that the Court does not undermine its own power of review while giving full effect to all government branches. This is consistent with the doctrine established in Civil Liberties Union vs. Executive Secretary, which asserts that no constitutional provision should negate another.

The senators concluded by stressing the need for a balanced and proper effect of the powers among the Court, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. They reiterated their oath to protect the Constitution and the right of every Filipino to seek truth and justice, warning that allowing the current precedent to stand risks silencing the process designed to keep power in check.