Alleged draft Senate resolution seeks outright dismissal of Duterte impeachment case
Metro Manila, Philippines - An alleged draft Senate resolution seeking to dismiss Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment case — even before the court can convene — surfaced on Wednesday, June 4, but the minority questioned its authenticity while several senators denied knowledge.
So far, only Senator Imee Marcos has confirmed seeing a draft proposal.
“One of the many drafts, na iba-iba ang pakay — parang pangatlo ‘yan sa nakita ko, maraming versions, lahat ay naghahanap ng pinakamabisa at pinaka naaayon sa batas na solusyon, ‘yung walang butas,” Marcos said in a text message to reporters.
[Translation: One of the many drafts, each with a different purpose — that’s probably the third one I’ve seen. There are many versions, all aiming to find the most effective and legally sound solution, one without loopholes.]
NewsWatch Plus could not independently verify the document referenced by Marcos.
It was Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino who first suggested during Monday’s session that the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte should be “functionally dismissed” if not resolved before the 19th Congress adjourns on June 30.
NewsWatch Plus has reached out to Tolentino for comment regarding the supposed resolution.
The Senate leadership and other majority members stopped short of denying its existence.
“No such reso filed nor pending as of last night when I left a little before 10 pm,” Senate President Chiz Escudero said in a separate text message.
In separate instances, Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito, along with Senators Joel Villanueva and Cynthia Villar, denied any knowledge of the resolution.
After seeing the version circulating online, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III expressed doubt about its authenticity.
“Flawed logic. Big chance not authentic. Even quotation of the constitutional provision is not accurate,” Pimentel told reporters in a text message.
In a chance interview with reporters, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa responded with a question when asked about the issue: “Meron ba?” (Is there one?)
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go declined to comment.
The Senate has yet to begin the impeachment proceedings, four months after the House impeached Duterte over allegations of confidential fund misuse and killdeath threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family.
The reading of the Articles of Impeachment was initially scheduled for June 2 but Escudero postponed this to June 11, citing the need to prioritize key legislation.
Escudero also said that convening the impeachment court afterward would require plenary approval, though some colleagues argue this is unnecessary since it is a constitutional mandate.
“Flawed logic. Big chance not authentic. Even quotation of the constitutional provision is not accurate,” Pimentel told reporters in a text message.
The Senate has yet to begin the impeachment proceedings, four months after the House impeached Duterte over allegations of confidential fund misuse and killdeath threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family.
The reading of the Articles of Impeachment was initially scheduled for June 2 but Escudero postponed this to June 11, citing the need to prioritize key legislation.
Escudero also said that convening the impeachment court afterward would require plenary approval, though some colleagues argue this is unnecessary since it is a constitutional mandate.
