Manila, Philippines – The Supreme Court En Banc denied with finality House of Representatives’ motion for reconsideration challenging the dismissal of the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte last year.
Via unanimous vote, the SC reaffrimed its July 25 decision declaring the Articles of impeachment against Duterte as unconstitutional, due to lack of due process and violation of the one year bar rule.
The High court explained that while an impeachment complaint was initiated under the right process, the three complaints was not included in the House’s order of business within 10 session days as required by the rules.
The Court further clarified that a complaint may be initiated under the purpose of one year bar rule given these circumstances: (1) the verified complaint was referred to the House Justice Panel; (2) if the complaint was not included in the Order of Business within 10 session days or referred to the panel within 3 session days after this; (3) and if there were no articles of impeachment transmitted to the Senate before the Lower Chamber adjourns.
SC also affirmed that due process of law shall be applied in the impeachment process given that ithe grounds of the complaint is based on the Constitution; governed by the Congress’ Rules of Impeachment; and that all endorsing members should have a copy of the complaints and of the evidence.
Under these reasons, the court upholds its first decision, affirming that it is immediately executory and cannot be appealed thereafter.
MAKABAYAN BLOC READY TO REFILE COMPLAINT AFTER SC RULING
Following this, Makabayan Bloc acknowledged the decision of the High COurt, but emphasized too that this makes the impeachment process difficult.
The group argued that the SC’s decision wrote rules for impeachment that is more in favor of impeachable officials.
Despite the ruling, the group believes that the allegations against Duterte are enough to pursue another impeachment attempt and that they are ready to refile a complaint after the one year bar rule ends on February 5.
With this, Makabayan bloc hopes to hold Duterte accountable of the issues tied with her, including confidential funds scandal, which they cited as an act of betrayal of public trust.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News