Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima has expressed concern over the Supreme Court’s recent directive to both chambers of Congress regarding the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, warning that it could disrupt the constitutional process.
Speaking in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB, De Lima warned that the Senate might use the Supreme Court’s involvement as a reason to delay the impeachment trial. “Pwede ‘yang gawing dahilan ng Senado, na out of judicial courtesy sa Supreme Court… hindi muna sila gagalaw,” she said.
De Lima emphasized that the impeachment trial should move forward, especially since Duterte has already complied with the Senate impeachment court’s order by submitting an ad cautelam response.
She noted that the SC’s queries were mostly directed at the House of Representatives rather than the Senate. “Doon sa mga hinihingi (ng SC), halos wala sa Senado, more sa Kamara,” she said, adding, “Hindi kaya sumobra ang pakikialam ng Korte Suprema sa proseso ng impeachment, na nanggaling sa House of Representatives?”
The Supreme Court had earlier ordered the House to explain its handling of the impeachment complaint—particularly the refusal of the Secretary General to transmit it to the Senate—and to clarify whether the charges and evidence were properly reviewed and included in the chamber’s order of business.
Meanwhile, the Senate was asked to disclose the committee responsible for drafting the Articles of Impeachment and whether the Vice President was afforded the right to be heard.
De Lima, a former senator and justice secretary, also addressed concerns about violating the one-year ban on filing multiple impeachment complaints. She maintained that the rule was not breached. “I think malinaw yun na hindi lumabag,” she said.
The House of Representatives approved the impeachment of Duterte on February 5. However, the Senate decided on June 10 to return the Articles of Impeachment without dismissing or concluding the case, pending further clarification.
Duterte has pleaded not guilty to charges lodged against her, including bribery, corruption, misuse of confidential funds, betrayal of public trust, and alleged involvement in political destabilization.
