Politics · Philippines Bureau
Senate holds exclusive power to decide VP Duterte impeachment case
Four retired Supreme Court justices have underscored the Senate's constitutional authority to try and decide the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte. The legal experts submitted their opinions as amici curiae during the 26th day of the vice president's impeachment trial.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Senate possesses the "sole power to try and decide all cases of impeachment," according to legal opinions submitted by four retired members of the Philippines' highest court on Wednesday. The constitutional law experts filed their views as friends of the court during the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing the legislative chamber's exclusive jurisdiction over such cases.
The amici curiae submissions represent a significant intervention in the high-profile trial, which has captured national attention as it entered its 26th day of hearings. The former justices' emphasis on the Senate's constitutional prerogatives comes as the impeachment case continues to unfold, with various parties submitting legal arguments to bolster their positions.
Former Representative Robert Ace Barbers, appearing for the prosecution, also presented arguments during Wednesday's proceedings. The trial has involved complex constitutional and procedural questions regarding the Senate's role in impeaching high-ranking government officials.
The Senate's exclusive power to adjudicate impeachment cases is a cornerstone of the Philippine constitutional system, which vests such trials exclusively in the legislative chamber rather than in the judiciary. The submissions underscore this fundamental constitutional principle as the Duterte impeachment case progresses through its various stages.