By Rodolfo Dacleson II
(June 13, 2025) – Senator Koko Pimentel on Thursday questioned the legality of the Senate’s recent move to remand the articles of impeachment against Vice Pres. Sara Duterte back to the House of Representatives.
Sen. Pimentel criticized the inclusion of the words “dismissed,” “return,” and “suspend,” among conflicting terms, in the Senate Resolution No. (SRN) 44, arguing they contradict the constitutional mandate for the upper chamber as an impeachment court and proceed directly with trial.
“Ang Senado, at impeachment court, hindi dapat intention—hindi niya dapat gawin ang isang act na nagsususpend ng proceedings, nagbabalik o nagwawalang-bisa ng proceedings. Bawal lahat ‘yon. Sa mata ko, unconstitutional lahat ‘yon,” said Pimentel in an interview with Ted Failon & DJ Chacha sa Radyo5.
The Senate minority leader explained that there was no need for remanding the complaint since the upper chamber already issued a summons to Duterte, who has 10 days to reply to the articles of impeachment against her.
“Pinapa-complicate pa nila ‘yung sitwasyon na puwede ngayong tanungin sa korte. Ngayon ‘yan, tapos lalong ginagawa nilang complicated ‘yung procedure na dapat sinisimplehan lang natin,” added Pimentel.
On Tuesday, 18 senators approved SRN 44 due to alleged unresolved legal issues, including whether the House of Representatives complied with the one impeachment per year provision found in Article XI of the 1987 Constitution.
“Puwede namang i-direct na ‘yan. Puwede kaming ma-issue-han ng compliance o advisory sa House na: ‘When you receive the answer of the VP, you have 5 days to file reply. In addition to your response to the answer of the VP, please also answer the following questions from the Court,’” said Pimentel.
The lower chamber certified the constitutionality of the impeachment case on Wednesday.
ALSO READ: House affirms impeachment case is constitutional, defers accepting remanded raps
The House of Representatives, however, deferred accepting the remanded complaint while waiting for the Senate’s clarification.
Duterte’s impeachment stalled in the Senate for four months after it received the transmitted copy of the complaint from the House of Representatives last February.
On the latter, Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero has been criticized for defending delays in the impeachment, noting the word “forthwith” does not necessarily mean immediate action.
ALSO READ: ‘Agad-agad’ means now: Charter framer slams delay in VP Sara’s impeachment
The impeded impeachment trial is due to complaints against VP Duterte for the alleged misuse of confidential funds worth nearly P613 million. Further adding to the life threats against Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, among constitutional violations.
(BR)
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