Sen. Bato files resolution to dismiss impeachment articles vs VP Sara

Senator Bato dela Rosa initiated a draft resolution to dismiss impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte, citing insufficient time for the Senate to deliberate before the next Congress convenes.

However, Senate President Francis Escudero clarified that the resolution has not been formally filed and is considered a 'mere scrap of paper' until it goes through the official process.

Meanwhile, prosecution team member and San Juan Rep. Ysabel Zamora stated that the House of Representatives has not pulled back the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, refuting social media rumors.

Zamora emphasized that the impeachment complaint was supported by more than two-thirds of the House and that the 1987 Constitution does not provide mechanisms for the House to withdraw articles of impeachment once transmitted to the Senate.

She explained that if the articles have been transmitted to the Senate, the trial will push through, leaving no option for Senators to dismiss it or for the House to withdraw it.

The trial for Duterte, who faces charges of 'high crimes' including corruption and an alleged assassination plot, has been moved to June 11.

Some lawmakers argue that it would be unconstitutional for the Senate to dismiss the impeachment complaint without a trial.

Lawyer Rene Sarmiento, a member of the 1986 Constitutional Commission, explained that an impeachment trial, once commenced, continues until judgment.