Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero defended the Senate’s decision to remand the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives.
He stressed that although their opinions were respected by him, it is only the Supreme Court that has the power to tell whether something is unconstitutional or not.
“Korte Suprema (SC) lamang ang puwede mag-sabi kung ano ang legal at hindi, kung ano ang unconstitutional at hindi,”
“Kasaysayan lamang at with the benefit of hindsight ang puwede makapag-sabi na kung sino ang tama o mali, kaugnay sa kanilang paniniwala,”
He explained that there are no more actions to be done as the 19th Congress is approaching its end.
“Ang pinaka-malayo na, na puwedeng magawa ay mag-issue ng summons,” he said
“Dahil sangayon sa aming rules, may sampung araw ang nasasakdal para magsumite ng sagot mula sa pagkakatanggap ng summons,” he explained.
In addition, when asked whether it is possible that the Senate is pushed to start the trial if the House of Representatives reject the return of the articles of impeachment, Escudero said that the Senate and the House are two different agencies that are not of equal footing when it comes to the hierarchy of the government.
“Hindi kami mag-kapantay pag dating sa bagay na ito, hindi kami House at Senate kung saan co-equal ang mga ahensya na iyan,” he stressed.
“Wala sa lugar, para sa akin, ang kamara na hindi sumunod sa ipinaguutos ng impeachment court,” he added.