MANILA — In a tense turn of events on Tuesday, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to archive the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, aligning with a recent Supreme Court ruling that blocked the trial.

The chamber’s 19–4–1 vote effectively places the impeachment complaint in deep freeze — considered dead, but potentially revivable should the High Court reverse its decision.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano explained the move in plain terms: “Sending the impeachment complaint to the archives means that it is considered dead but could be revived should the Supreme Court reverse its ruling.”

Initially, Senator Rodante Marcoleta pushed for an outright dismissal of the case, but later amended his motion to have it archived — a strategic shift that gave senators political breathing room while maintaining an appearance of legal caution.

Is It for Rule of Law?

Supporters of the archiving move claimed the vote was a principled stand for the rule of law, not a political cover-up.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, in an impassioned speech referencing his father’s impeachment trial in 2000, called the vote a win for “law over lawlessness” and “country over partisanship.”

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who previously voted against sending the impeachment articles back to the House, said the Supreme Court ruling was “clear” and that he would not oppose it.

Even Senator Loren Legarda, a member of the Senate minority, sided with the majority:

“The Senate cannot pretend that the SC decision is not yet executory despite the motion for reconsideration by the House,” she stated.

But it was Senate President Francis Escudero who took a strong stand, criticizing the House of Representatives for what he called political manipulation and hypocrisy.

“Cherry-picking court rulings destroys the judiciary’s purpose. Disobeying the High Court’s decision is a violation of the law,” Escudero said.

He didn’t hold back, accusing the House—led by Speaker Martin Romualdez—of using the impeachment as a political vendetta:

“To the House of Representatives, I say, do not allow yourselves to be used for the blind hatred and ambition of a few, who did things haphazardly, gravely abused their discretion, and violated due process rights under the Constitution as found by the High Court itself.”

“The Senate is not your playground to run after your political enemies… We are not an accomplice in any grand scheme. While others may be willing to play your game, I am not. I will never bow to a mob. I will never cower to the shrillest of voices,” Escudero added.

“Dutertes Don’t Run”

Vice President Duterte’s defense team, through spokesperson Michael Poa, welcomed the development.

“The Defense Team acknowledges the Senate’s decision to adhere to the Supreme Court ruling and archive the Articles of Impeachment,” Poa said.

Meanwhile, Senator Bong Go, a longtime Duterte ally, defended the Vice President’s integrity and readiness to face any legal challenge.

“Sa pagkakilala ko sa mga Duterte, hindi sila tumatakbo sa kanilang responsibilidad. Haharapin at haharapin nila ang anumang hamon ng panahon, basta ginagawa lamang ito sa tamang paraan,” Go said.

“Marami namang mekanismo upang mapanagot ang kahit sinumang opisyal ng gobyerno na may pananagutan, kung meron mang pananagutan. Ang mahalaga ay nagagawa ito sa tama at legal na paraan.”

“Wait for the Supreme Court Decision”

Opposition lawmakers decried the move as premature and legally unnecessary, arguing that the Senate should have waited for the High Court’s final ruling before acting.

Senator Kiko Pangilinan explained his “no” vote, defending both the Constitution and the judiciary:

“Wala sa hanay ng mga senador na bumoto ng ‘no’ na nagsasabi na hindi dapat respetuhin ang pasya ng Korte Suprema. Hintayin lang ang final decision.”

“Kung tutuusin, kung hinintay lang natin ang final decision, hindi tayo nagpasya at wala tayong ginawa na mga hakbang out of respect dahil nga pending pa, wala tayong nilabag sa pagiging immediately executory ng desisyon,” he added. “Kaya kataka-taka kung bakit kailangan magkaroon ng archiving pero pasya ito ng mayorya.”

Senator Bam Aquino echoed this sentiment, framing his vote as a defense of the Senate’s institutional independence:

“Ang impeachment ay mekanismo para protektahan ang interes ng taumbayan. Ang Senado ay nagsisilbing check and balance sa ating demokrasya.”

Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo Lacson abstained, pointing to due process concerns:
“Dahil mayroon pa ring nakabinbing motion for reconsideration na inihain ng House of Representatives sa pamamagitan ng Solicitor General, naniniwala ako na ang July 25 ruling ay hindi pinal, hangga’t hindi ito nagpapasya sa motion for reconsideration na may finality,” Lacson said.
“Mas gugustuhin kong hintayin, hindi i-preempt, ang pinal na desisyon ng Mataas na Hukuman.”

📷 Senate of the Philippines