Senators push SC to apply impeachment ruling prospectively

Senators are drafting a resolution urging the Supreme Court to apply its ruling declaring the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte unconstitutional only to future cases, citing the doctrine of operative facts.

The Supreme Court's ruling last week cited violations of the one-year bar provision and due process, preventing the impeachment court from acquiring jurisdiction.

Senators Francis Pangilinan, Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino, and Vicente Sotto III have signed the draft resolution, which expresses the Senate's "profound sense" on the matter.

The proposed resolution aims to ensure that actions taken based on previously established legal definitions, such as when impeachment proceedings are deemed initiated, are recognized as valid.

Senator Pangilinan stated that as Senator Judges, they are duty-bound to proceed with the trial given the late stage of the process.

The draft resolution argues that applying the ruling prospectively would reconcile constitutional provisions concerning judicial review and the impeachment powers of the House and Senate.

A vote on the resolution is anticipated on August 6, with Senate President Francis Escudero having previously indicated that the Senate would collegially decide on the next steps.