The Senate rejected Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III’s bid to table Senator Rodante Marcoleta’s motion to dismiss the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a heated discussion during a Senate session on Wednesday, August 6, Sotto questioned Marcoleta on what would happen if the Senate prematurely dismissed the case. He also questioned what might happen when the Supreme Court (SC) grants the House of Representatives’ motion for reconsideration and reverses its decision.
“The question, Mr. President, is speculative…we cannot speculate. We can only guess, second-guess, because on the basis of our experience as a practicing lawyer,” Marcoleta responded.
“Ito pong klaseng desisyon, talaga pong wala nang kaduda-duda na kahit po mag-file pa tayo ng motion for reconsideration. We are hoping against hope. It is as if we are wishing for the moon,” he added.
Opposing the motion, Sotto earlier emphasized that the SC’s decision is yet to be finalized.
"The decision is not yet final. A Motion for Reconsideration was filed by the House of Representatives just last Monday," Sotto mentioned during his interpellation. "Why are we rushing to dismiss the case?"
The senator explained that dismissing the case prematurely would result in complications, as the SC could reverse its own decision. Stressing that the Senate had already assumed jurisdiction, Sotto questioned, "Anong tawag mo dun sa pag-constitute as an impeachment court? Nag-robe pa sila and even sent out summons. Ano yun, moro-moro lang?"
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero eventually announced that the Senate would vote on Sotto’s motion to table Marcoleta’s motion for dismissal.
Sotto’s bid eventually lost, with 19 negative and 5 affirmative votes.
The senators who voted in favor of Sotto’s motion are:
- Sen. Benigno “Bam” Aquino
- Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan
- Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson
- Sen. Risa Hontiveros
- Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III
