Three senators on Monday urged the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision halting the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying this undermines Congress’ constitutional mandate.
“We respectfully disagree with the Supreme Court’s ruling that halted the Senate’s constitutional duty to try the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte,” said a joint statement from Senators Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino, and Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan.
The lawmakers argued that the Senate was merely performing its duty when it prepared to try the complaint initiated and transmitted by the House of Representatives.
They said the ruling unfairly applied a new interpretation of what it means to “initiate” an impeachment case, retroactively changing the legal basis after proceedings were already underway.
“Former Supreme Court Justice Adolfo Azcuna, a respected constitutionalist and framer, called it what it is: legally defensible, perhaps, but grossly unfair,” they said.
The senators appealed to the justices to uphold two longstanding legal doctrines: the Fairness Principle and the Doctrine of Operative Facts.
They argued that those who acted in good faith based on existing jurisprudence should not be punished by the retroactive application of new interpretations.
Under the Doctrine of Operative Facts, they said actions already carried out under a previous, valid understanding of the law should remain legally effective.
“In doing so, the Court would not be undermining its power of review, but rather giving full effect to all branches of government,” they said.
“The powers of the Court, the House of Representatives, and the Senate must all be given proper and balanced effect,” the senators added.
The statement warned that allowing the decision to stand would weaken the very mechanisms designed to ensure government accountability.
The senators also called on institutions, citizens, and the judiciary to help reconcile the Constitution’s provisions on judicial review and legislative power.
“We did not swear an oath only to protect positions by way of technicalities. We swore to protect the Constitution, and the right of every Filipino to demand truth and justice,” the statement concluded.
