Former Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) President Atty. Domingo Cayosa clarified on Tuesday that the Senate cannot legally dismiss Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment case through a mere resolution.
Speaking on Unang Balita, Cayosa criticized recent moves by Senators Robin Padilla and Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, both Duterte allies, to end the impeachment proceedings through Senate resolutions. He stressed that such actions undermine the senators’ judicial role in the process.
“It’s disappointing,” Cayosa said. “How can a judge declare disinterest when both prosecution and defense are fully prepared?”
Padilla’s Senate Resolution 1371 argues that the impeachment proceedings should end with the sine die adjournment of the 19th Congress on June 13. However, Cayosa asserted that both the Constitution and legal precedent support continuing such trials into the next Congress.
Cayosa also called out the proposed 19-day trial calendar, calling it “impractical” and potentially unjust, especially given delays caused by the Senate itself.
“The delay was on them—so they shouldn’t use that as a reason to rush the proceedings,” he said, emphasizing the need for due process.
Meanwhile, Senate President Francis Escudero has been sworn in as the impeachment court’s presiding officer, with other senators set to take their oaths as judges.