Senate remands Duterte-Harness impeachment case back to House

The Senate unanimously referred a verified impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte to the Committee on Rules on Monday night, formally initiating proceedings that could lead to her removal from office.

On Tuesday evening, 22 senators took their oaths as judges and convened as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte following extensive debates and discussions.

The Senate then decided to remand the case back to the House of Representatives after Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa's motion to dismiss was amended into a remand order, supported by 18 senators.

Vice President Sara Duterte remains in Malaysia on a personal trip; impeachment rules provide guidelines for serving and notifying her when direct service cannot be made. The House of Representatives welcomed Escudero's move, emphasizing due process and adherence to constitutional mandates.

The Senate's remand decision has sparked debates among legal experts who argue that it is unprecedented and potentially unconstitutional, as the Constitution does not allow such a return of cases from the upper chamber to the lower chamber.