Philconsa criticizes Senate for returning VP Sara Duterte's impeachment complaint to House

The Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) criticized the Senate's decision on Thursday to return the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte back to the House of Representatives.

Philconsa chairperson and former Supreme Court chief justice Reynato Puno warned that this move raises constitutional concerns, may constitute grave abuse of discretion, and risks undermining the principle that public office is a public trust.

Puno highlighted several issues including encroachment on the House's exclusive power, due process concerns, potential circumlocutory delay tactics, and questions about the Senate’s impartiality as an impeachment court.

Philconsa emphasized that once the Senate acquires jurisdiction as an impeachment court upon receiving the articles of impeachment, it cannot be lost or suspended by procedural acts.

Puno called on the Senate to uphold its constitutional duty and proceed with the impeachment trial in accordance with the Constitution and rule of law, stressing that any circumvention would imperil democratic institutions.