Senators urge SC to reconsider Duterte impeachment ruling

Several senators on Monday urged the Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling halting the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte due to a technicality.

Senators Francis Pangilinan, Risa Hontiveros, and Bam Aquino cited two principles -- the Fairness Principle and the Doctrine of Operative Facts -- in their joint statement.

The senators argued that Congress acted in good faith by following existing jurisprudence when initiating and transmitting the impeachment complaint.

They stressed that retroactively applying a new interpretation of 'initiating' an impeachment case is unfair, akin to changing rules mid-game.

The senators urged the Supreme Court to uphold these principles to ensure proper balance among all branches of government without undermining judicial review.

They emphasized their oath to protect the Constitution and the right of Filipinos to demand truth and justice, warning that allowing this precedent could silence mechanisms meant to keep power in check.