The Senate impeachment court would only be wasting its time if it decides today to dismiss the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, according to House Prosecution Panel Spokesperson Atty. Antonio Bucoy.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, August 6, Bucoy stressed that the Supreme Court has yet to rule on the motion for reconsideration (MR) filed by the House of Representatives, challenging the Court’s earlier decision declaring the Articles of Impeachment ‘unconstitutional.’
“What if the Supreme Court agrees with us and grants the relief of the motion for reconsideration, so hindi pa rin pinal dahil sinabi nila,” said Bucoy.
Bucoy cautioned the Senate against rushing into a dismissal, pointing out the inconsistency in its actions.
According to RH Milky Rigonan report, Bucoy noted that the Senate previously failed to act swiftly when the Constitution mandated it to proceed “forthwith” with the impeachment trial.
“It will only show na nagmamadali sila talaga ngayon nagmamadali sila na tapusin eh samantalang dati yong forthwith hindi sila nagmamadali eh malinaw naman yong forthwith pero bakit ngayon iba yong kanilang gustong mangyari gusto nila tapusin na i-dismiss na,” he stated.
According to Bucoy, there are reports that some senators plan to stand on the floor and challenge the move to dismiss the impeachment case in a plenary debate. He believes this is a clear indication that not all lawmakers agree with an outright dismissal.
"Hindi pa final eh. Sundin nyo ngayon, ipatupad ninyo ngayon, may chance na mabago yan eh…Aksaya ng panahon," said Bucoy.
“Buhay pa rin ‘yung articles kung babawiin ng Supreme Court ‘yong kanilang naging desisyon matapos naming mailahad ‘yung argumento sa motion for reconsideration,” said Bucoy.
He also urged the Senate to respect the pending appeal, stating that the justices of the Supreme Court are still human and may reconsider their earlier decision once presented with the full factual context.
Bucoy appealed to the Senate to hold off any vote and allow the Supreme Court to rule on the MR first.
Bucoy reiterated that the impeachment court is expected to show deference to the upper chamber by allowing the process to take its course. It is urged to wait for the Court’s ruling on the motion for reconsideration before making any decision.
"Dapat ang impeachment court ay magbigay-daan din bilang paggalang sa Kataas-taasang Hukuman. Dapat hintayin nila kung ano ang magiging desisyon sa motion for reconsideration," he said.
The House of Representatives earlier submitted the motion for reconsideration following the Supreme Court's ruling that declared the impeachment articles against Duterte unconstitutional.
The Senate is scheduled to decide on Duterte's impeachment case on Wednesday, August 6.
