The Philippine Senate’s 18-5 vote to “return” Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment complaint to the House is a gutless betrayal of the Constitution. Led by Duterte loyalists—Robin Padilla, Ronald dela Rosa, Christopher Go, Imee Marcos, and their ilk—these senators concocted a scheme to dodge their duty, inventing requirements not found in the 1987 Charter. The Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa), under retired Chief Justice Reynato Puno, calls it a potential “grave abuse of discretion” that endangers democracy. They’re right—this is a shameless power grab.

The Constitution is clear: the Senate has the sole power to try impeachment cases. No remanding, no stalling, no excuses. Yet, these 18 senators demanded certifications and resolutions, trampling the House’s right to initiate impeachment and shielding Duterte from scrutiny over her alleged P125-million confidential fund mess. They’re not judges; they’re Duterte’s defense team, compromising the Senate’s impartiality and mocking the principle that public office is a public trust.

Christian Monsod, a 1987 Constitution framer, sees through the charade: these senators are “railroading a wrong power” to protect their ally. Senate President Francis Escudero’s dodge—claiming the Senate can do whatever it wants and passing the buck to the Supreme Court—is pathetic. The Supreme Court shouldn’t have to clean up this mess. The Senate’s job is to uphold the law, not punt it.

These 18 senators—Escudero, Padilla, Dela Rosa, Go, Marcos, and their cronies—have failed Filipinos. Their stunt isn’t just unconstitutional; it’s a middle finger to democracy. Three years from now 2028 elections are coming, and voters won’t forget this betrayal. Ditch the clowns, elect senators with guts, or let the Supreme Court expose this farce. The people deserve better.


TAMBULI NG BAYAN-Ronnie Estrada) #ImpeachSaraDuterte #philconsa #justicerenatopuno
Photo: Retired Chief Justice Reynato Puno