The Justice Reform Initiative (JRI), an umbrella group composed of leading business organizations, foreign chambers and civil society groups, has aired its discontent on the decision of the Senate to remand the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte, calling it unconstitutional, reminding the senators to seize the moment to serve the public with integrity and rise above political loyalty.

In an official statement on Friday, signed by its president, Jose Jerome Pascual III, the JRI stressed that no one, no matter how powerful, is above the Constitution.

“No one, especially our elected senators, should make a mockery of the Constitution by substituting partisan politics for the rule of law,” the group added.

Also, they underlined that the impeachment complaint, while potentially precarious to the political career of VP Duterte, is also her best opportunity to prove her innocence against allegations of Culpable Violation of the Constitution, Betrayal of Public Trust, Graft and Corruption, and Other High Crimes.

Comply with fortwith

The group maintained that Article XI, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution establishes a clear process: the House of Representatives has the exclusive power to initiate impeachment; the Senate must try and decide the case.

“Once a verified complaint is endorsed by at least one-third of all House members, it becomes the Articles of Impeachment. The Senate is then mandated to proceed with trial “forthwith.” The use of “shall” is absolute; it is not subject to delay or discretion,” the group said.

Any attempt by the Senate to remand, defer, or dismiss the Articles without trial is not merely irregular; it is unconstitutional, according to the JRI.

Moreover, they explained that the Charter only allows two outcomes: acquittal or conviction, pointing out that there is no room for avoidance, no constitutional basis for indefinite deferral, even during transition to the 20th Congress.

“As a continuing body, the Senate retains full authority to proceed. Public office is a public trust. It is not a refuge from accountability. Thus, to demand answers from our public servants is neither excessive nor uncalled for because they are answerable to us. We call on them to rise above political loyalty, display their patriotic zeal, and respect their oath of allegiance to the Constitution and the rule of law,” according to the sentiment of the organization.

JRI was formed in 2012 and officially established in October 2015, to be the principal voice of business and civil society in pushing for reforms in the administration of justice, and to work for the promotion and advancement of the rule of law, economic rights, and justice.