Senate Minority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Wednesday called for the postponement of a motion seeking to dismiss the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, citing that the Supreme Court ruling that nullified the case is still under appeal.
Sotto’s move came in response to Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who argued that the Supreme Court had already voided the impeachment complaint.
“Let us allow and give the Supreme Court the chance to rectify its decision, which contains clear and blatant errors — not just for this case, but for the integrity of future impeachment proceedings,” Sotto said. “Let us not dismiss it outright.”
The House of Representatives earlier filed a motion for reconsideration, asking the Supreme Court to reverse its decision declaring the impeachment articles against Duterte unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court has since directed the Vice President and another petitioner to submit their comments on the House’s motion.
Sotto criticized the high court’s ruling, pointing out what he described as procedural lapses — including the lack of oral arguments and failure to consult Congress before issuing the decision.
He also warned that by effectively removing a third mode of initiating impeachment complaints, the Supreme Court may have overstepped its authority and altered the Constitution.
“The Supreme Court decision, while immediately executory, is not yet final,” Sotto emphasized. “Many are asking — if it is still under appeal, why are we rushing to dismiss it?”
