Manila, Philippines — On July 6, the Senate, acting as an impeachment court, has officially started its trial proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte over allegations of confidential funds misuse, unexplained wealth, bribery, and grave threat.
But upon the transmittal of the impeachment articles to the Senate court on May, Duterte and Atty. Israelito Torreon filed a petition, questioning the process of which the House of Representatives conducted its proceedings.
Based on the consolidated petitions, the petitioners argued that the gathering of evidence and compelling of witnesses are beyond the constitutional authority of the House Justice Committee.
The petitions likewise challenged the findings of the committee that the impeachment complaints are sufficient in form, substance, and probable cause.
In a August 5 resolution, the SC dismissed the petitions declaring it as moot.
The Supreme COurt en banc noted that the petitions will not need resolution as the impeachment articles were already transmitted to the Senate.
The High Court said that following the transmittal of the complaints, the role of the House in the process and initiation of the case also ended.
With this, the actions the petitioners sought to stop had already been completed, citing the convenement of the Senate as an impeachment court.
SC added that any ruling on the validity of the House proceedings will no longer have an impact on the controversy.—Mia Layaguin, Contributor