Escudero defends Senate’s impeachment powers against Duterte

Senate President Chiz Escudero defended the Senate's authority during an impeachment trial on Monday, June 16.

Escudero responded to criticism over the Senate's decision to return the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives, a move seen by some legal experts as unconstitutional.

Former Chief Justice Reynato Puno countered Escudero’s claim that there are 'no limits' on what the impeachment trial court can do in a democracy and emphasized the principle of checks and balances.

Puno stressed that while the Senate has primary jurisdiction over impeachment cases, any orders or resolutions violating the Constitution could be questioned before the Supreme Court.

The Senate ordered the House to certify it had not violated the Constitution by hearing three impeachment complaints before the one that went to a vote in an 18-5 decision.