DAVAO CITY (June 10) — The Philippine Senate on Tuesday voted 18–5 to return the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives for clarification, delaying the official start of the impeachment trial.
The decision, made during a heated session with the Senate acting as an impeachment court, stemmed from a motion by Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to dismiss the case. However, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero ruled that the House must first certify whether the complaint met constitutional and procedural requirements.
“The Senate cannot proceed unless the complaint is formally validated by the House,” Escudero said, emphasizing that the move does not mean the case is being dismissed.
The Senate has already issued a summons for Vice President Duterte, signaling its readiness to proceed once the House confirms the complaint’s sufficiency in form and substance.
Opposition Senators Risa Hontiveros and Koko Pimentel criticized the ruling, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent. Hontiveros insisted that the Constitution does not provide for a “remand” or “return” of an impeachment complaint, and that the Senate should move directly to trial upon receipt of the House-approved articles.
“The Senate is constitutionally mandated to sit as an impeachment court. There is no provision that allows us to send the articles back,” Hontiveros argued.
With the Senate’s decision, the House of Representatives is now expected to reassess the complaint before any impeachment proceedings can continue. The outcome will determine when — or if — the historic trial of Vice President Duterte will move forward.
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
