Metro Manila, Philippines – Previously opposed to charter change, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III said he will now support efforts to amend the Constitution to clarify impeachment provisions — which he said were effectively altered by the Supreme Court.
In an online interview on Friday, Jan. 30, Sotto expressed his disappointment with the ruling that affirmed the unconstitutionality of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte for violating the one-year ban on new cases.
He said his opinion has nothing to do with personalities — neither Duterte nor President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is also facing impeachment complaints.
After reading snippets of the 50-page ruling, Sotto said the high court added requirements to the impeachment provisions in the Constitution, making it “impossible” to impeach any official in the country. He said this runs counter to the purpose of the speedy removal of an impeachable officer causing harm to the country.
For instance, the court ruled that draft Articles of Impeachment must be backed by evidence and distributed to all members of the House of Representatives before they vote on the complaint, Sotto said.
He also criticized the ruling that impeachment complaints not acted upon within 10 session days are considered “initiated,” saying it opens the door for “basurang [garbage]” complaints that could derail legitimate efforts.
“Ako ayokong ayoko ng con-con, ayokong ayoko ng constituent assembly pero pagkaganyan ang usapan, payag na ako,” Sotto said.
[Translation: I really didn’t want a constitutional convention or a constituent assembly, but given the situation, I am now willing.]
“Sapagkat kung ang Supreme Court pwedeng galawin ang Constitution, aba dapat galawin na namin. Sapagkat kami ang empowered to do so,” he added.
[Translation: Since the Supreme Court can reinterpret the Constitution, we should be able to amend it too, because we are empowered to do so.]
Under the Constitution, amendments to the charter can be proposed in one of three ways:
- By Congress through a three-fourths vote of all its members acting as a constituent assembly;
- Through a constitutional convention called by Congress; or
- Via a people’s initiative or petition supported by at least 12 percent of registered voters.
In previous years, Sotto opposed efforts to amend the Constitution, questioning the need and timing of such moves.
Sotto said aside from “correcting” impeachment provisions, amending the Constitution now could also address economic provisions.
The Senate leader added that he plans to talk to House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III about setting up a meeting so the two chambers can decide on the next steps following the Supreme Court ruling.
