Senate move on Sara impeachment ‘unconstitutional,’ says justice reform group

The Justice Reform Initiative (JRI), an umbrella group composed of leading business organizations, foreign chambers, and civil society groups, has expressed discontent over the Senate’s decision to remand the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte, calling it unconstitutional. The group urged 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 emphasized that no one, regardless of power or position, 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 said.

They stressed that while the impeachment complaint could be politically damaging to Vice President Duterte, it also presents 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.

The JRI pointed out that Article XI, Section 3 of the 1987 Constitution outlines a clear process: the House of Representatives has the exclusive power to initiate impeachment, while the Senate is mandated to 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 asserted.

Any attempt by the Senate to remand, defer, or dismiss the articles without trial, they said, is not merely irregular but unconstitutional.

The group also noted that the Constitution allows for only two outcomes — acquittal or conviction — and provides no basis for indefinite deferral, even during a 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. Demanding 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 patriotic zeal, and uphold their oath of allegiance to the Constitution and the rule of law,” the statement said.

Formed in 2012 and officially established in October 2015, JRI serves as the principal voice of business and civil society in advocating for reforms in the administration of justice and in promoting the rule of law, economic rights, and equitable justice.