The Senate voted 19-4-1 on Wednesday, Aug. 6, to archive the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, effectively shelving it while the Supreme Court (SC) considers a motion for reconsideration on a related ruling.
After over six hours of deliberation, the Senate approved an amended motion by Senator Rodante Marcoleta, as modified by Senator Joel Villanueva.
The motion cited the SC’s July 25 decision declaring the impeachment articles “null and void ab initio” and ruling that the Senate had no jurisdiction over the case.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri clarified that archiving does not permanently dismiss the case. The complaint can be revived with a majority vote, he said.
The Senate rejected a separate motion by Minority Leader Tito Sotto to table the matter instead of archiving it. Sotto, who voted against the move, argued that it would be wiser to wait for the SC’s final decision.
Senator Risa Hontiveros also opposed the decision, calling it a retreat from the Senate’s constitutional duty.
“I reiterate that the Supreme Court decision is not yet final, kahit paano mo balibaliktarin, so make no mistake: This was an act of the Senate,” said Hontiveros.
“It is our institution which, in the words of colleagues, killed the Articles of Impeachment,” she added.
Hontiveros emphasized that impeachment is a tool to hold the powerful accountable and warned against making the process more difficult.IMT
