Post by : Meena Ariff

The discussion around the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte became more intense as Representative Leila de Lima of the ML party-list openly criticised the Senate impeachment court’s second requirement. She firmly said that this requirement violates the Philippine Constitution and undermines the separation of powers between the House of Representatives and the Senate.

De Lima Says House Has Finished Its Role

According to Rep. De Lima, the House of Representatives has already completed its duty by approving the impeachment complaint. She explained that the next step is for the Senate to start the impeachment trial without demanding any more documents from the House.

She said, “I always hold the position that at this point, the Senate cannot be asking or demanding anything from the House of Representatives concerning the impeachment case. The House has already done its role. So what is left is for the Senate to start the trial.”

She further stressed, “I consider it violative of the Constitution… There should be no more requirements from the House of Representatives.”

Chel Diokno Warns Against Senate’s Second Order

Akbayan Party-list Representative Chel Diokno also raised concerns about the Senate’s second order. He warned that it might be a “trap” because following this order could break the rule that only one impeachment complaint can be filed against the same official within a year.

Diokno explained that if the House follows this order, it might allow another impeachment complaint in the same year, which is against the Constitution. He urged the House to be very careful with its decisions to avoid legal problems in the future.

Senate’s New Requirement Explained

The impeachment court has ordered the House prosecution panel to submit a resolution that ratifies or approves the acts of the 19th Congress regarding the impeachment complaint. This resolution must now be approved by the 20th Congress, which recently began.

This means that the new House of Representatives must officially approve what the previous Congress did regarding the impeachment. Many lawmakers, however, believe this is unnecessary because the impeachment complaint has already been passed and transmitted to the Senate.

House Prosecutor Defensor Says They Will Follow Court Orders

Iloilo Representative Lorenz Defensor, who is a House prosecutor, said that the 20th Congress has not yet discussed this matter as a group. However, he emphasised that the House should follow the orders of the impeachment court.

He explained, “We have not discussed yet as an entire body for the 20th Congress. But like every court and like every litigant in court, and like every prosecutor, we should abide by whatever order the impeachment court will require from us.”

Defensor added that the prosecution team is almost ready to present their evidence. They are only waiting for the pre-trial process to begin in the Senate so that they can formally start the trial.

De Lima and Diokno Could Strengthen Prosecution Team

Representative Defensor also said that he would welcome De Lima and Diokno to join the prosecution team. He believes their experience in law will be very helpful. “I have not spoken to them personally. But I hope they will join the prosecution team because they are very good additions with their experience in the law,” Defensor said.

Earlier, it was announced that the two lawmakers from the 20th Congress would be joining the prosecution panel to strengthen its legal team.

Diokno Highlights Opposition’s Unity on Impeachment

Meanwhile, Representative Diokno said that the opposition or minority bloc has already shown a unified stand on the impeachment case. He explained that the opposition has been demanding accountability for a long time, and this impeachment trial is a way to show the public that they are serious about holding leaders accountable for their actions.

“I believe there already is a unified stand on the impeachment. The opposition has been calling for accountability for a long time. And this is a perfect opportunity to show the people that we are serious about accountability,” Diokno said.

What Happens Next?

Many lawmakers are waiting to see what the House of Representatives will do about the Senate’s second requirement. While some think it is unconstitutional, others believe that following the court’s orders is necessary to move the impeachment trial forward smoothly.

The impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte remains one of the most closely watched political developments in the Philippines this year, as both the House and Senate prepare for the historic trial.