The Senate completely killed the impeachment trial against vice president Sara Duterte on the corruption charges she faces. On August 6, 19 senators voted to “archive” the case, citing adherence to a Supreme Court ruling issued on July 25.
The court declared Duterte’s impeachment “unconstitutional” because the House of Representatives violated its own impeachment process. The court said the “one-year ban” before refiling impeachment cases was breached. The decision drew heavy criticism, including from former Supreme Court justices. They said the ruling introduced new impeachment rules not stipulated in the constitution and the court overstepped its role. They called for an immediate review of the decision.
Led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, groups launched demonstrations to denounce the Senate and Supreme Court rulings. They protested daily from August 5 to 7 and also on July 26 and 29.
Meanwhile, the alliance Tama Na delivered to the Supreme Court on August 5 a letter signed by over 100 individuals from the education, youth, health, and church sectors. They called to allow oral arguments to let the court hear new perspectives that could reverse its decision.
