Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III has cautioned the Senate against dismissing the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte without holding a trial, warning that such a move could backfire if challenged before the Supreme Court.
Speaking during an interview on DWIZ’s Usapang Senador on Saturday, June 28, Pimentel predicted that the high court would likely side with House prosecutors if senators decide to bypass the trial process.
“Magiging sampal yan sa mukha ng Senado kung malelecture-an pa siya ng SC na: ‘Wala kang choice, isunod agad ang paglilitis,’” he said, warning that it would be an embarrassment for the Senate to be reminded by the Supreme Court of its constitutional duty.
Pimentel’s remarks followed Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s statement that there is nothing legally stopping a senator from filing another motion to dismiss the case—something that would only require a simple majority vote.
But for Pimentel, the only constitutionally sound approach is to proceed with the trial and allow both sides to present their evidence.
“Pag guilty, walang problema, constitutional na action ‘yan. Pag not guilty, acquitted, constitutional din na action ‘yan… Ang may issue is kung ‘di ka mag-trial,” he stressed.
He also defended the role of the House of Representatives in initiating the impeachment, saying the Senate, as an impeachment court, should not question the internal processes of the lower chamber.
“Respeto lang po,” Pimentel added, urging fellow senators to honor the Constitution by moving forward with the trial and avoiding any actions that could undermine the process.
