Majority in Senate uphold VP ruling

A significant majority of senators are likely to abide by the Supreme Court ruling that declared the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte as ‘unconstitutional,’ according to Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada.

Estrada shared this after a closed-door caucus among senators on Tuesday, revealing that the prevailing sentiments among at least 19 to 20 senators within the chamber is to respect the high court’s decision.

“Karamihan ng sentimyento ng kapwa senador ko (The sentiment of the most of my fellow senators is to abide by the ruling of the Supreme Court,” Estrada said, underscoring that pushing forward despite the ruling would risk plunging the country into a constitutional crisis.

Last week, the High Court voted 13-0-2 to strike down the impeachment complaint filed against Duterte, citing violations of the one-year bar rule under the Constitution and the Vice President’s right to due process.

The ruling emphasized that the Senate cannot assume jurisdiction over an unconstitutional complaint and, therefore, cannot convene as an impeachment court in this instance.

“There will be no trial. The Supreme Court said the Senate has no jurisdiction because the House filing was unconstitutional,” Estrada explained.

“We don't have any jurisdiction anymore and the Senate will not convene as the impeachment court because we don't have the jurisdiction,” he continued.

Although the decision remains open to a possible motion for reconsideration, Estrada emphasized that it is immediately executory.

The Senate is “going to flirt for a constitutional crisis,” he added.

“Even if others argue otherwise, the Supreme Court’s ruling is final—for now. Unless the House’s MR is granted and the decision is reversed, we will comply,” he said.

Estrada echoed Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s earlier warning that defying the SC ruling would risk turning the Philippines into a “banana republic,” where institutions only follow the rules that suit them.

Escudero, a lawyer, is saying that regardless of personal opinions, once the Supreme Court makes a decision, it must be respected and followed. Ignoring or defying such decisions could lead to a constitutional crisis.

A "banana republic” is a term used to describe politically unstable countries where the rule of law is weak or ignored.

Escudero emphasized, however, that this is merely his personal opinion, and the decision of the Senate majority will ultimately prevail.

The Senate is scheduled to discuss the SC decision formally on August 6, but according to Estrada, the outcome is all but certain. He made up his mind, he added.

“I will abide with the decision of the Supreme Court.Even if their reason is valid, ultimately it’s the Supreme Court that will be followed, not them. Unless the House files a MR and it gets reversed, we will abide with the ruling,” Estrada said.

When further asked about how many senators support the immediate dismissal of the impeachment case, Estrada replied, “Let’s say, to comply with the ruling, around 19 to 20.”

Estrada then explained that his estimate was based on the body language and comments of his colleagues. “It’s quite clear who they are,” the senator added.

However, not all senators are on board.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros confirmed that four senators, including herself, have signed a resolution urging the Senate to continue with Duterte’s impeachment trial despite the SC ruling.

The resolution, reportedly co-authored by Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Bam Aquino, is still seeking broader support.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is preparing to file a motion for reconsideration, arguing that the Supreme Court’s decision was based on “incorrect findings” that contradict official records.

The SC clarified that its ruling does not clear Vice President Duterte of any wrongdoing. A fresh impeachment complaint may be filed after February 6, 2026, in line with constitutional rules.

As of now, the upper chamber appears poised to respect judicial authority, with Estrada stressing that constitutional order must prevail.

Senator Raffy Tulfo earlier said he is ready to do his duty as a judge in the impeachment court but also respects the role of the SC in checking whether government actions, including impeachment, follow the Constitution.

“While I have been ready to perform my Constitutional mandate as a judge in the impeachment court, I likewise respect the mandate of the Supreme Court to determine if certain actions or processes of the other branches of government went beyond or against the provisions of our Constitution,” he said.

Senator Erwin Tulfo said he respects the ruling of the Supreme Court and its interpretation of the constitutional limits that guide the impeachment process.

Nonetheless, he earlier noted that the Constitution is clear of stating that “the Senate shall have the sole power to try and decide all cases of impeachment.”

"If given the opportunity, I am prepared to discharge our solemn duty and allow the evidence to speak for itself,” he added. “I will act with my fellow Senators in upholding our constitutional mandate with integrity and fairness.”

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian earlier expressed respect for the SC’s unanimous decision on the Vice President's impeachment case, affirming that his actions are guided by the Constitution.

“My actions have always been guided by the Constitution, and I recognize the Supreme Court as the final authority in interpreting the legality of such proceedings. We will continue to uphold the rule of law and the principles of our democratic institutions,” he said.

Gatchalian emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and recognized the Supreme Court as the final authority on legal matters involving government proceedings

The Supreme Court has spoken and I respect the unanimous decision of the Court declaring the House of Representative’s impeachment complaint unconstitutional.”

For his part, Senator Christopher Bong Go emphasized the centrality of due process, constitutional adherence, and the need to focus on genuine public service amid political distractions.

“Ngayon na may desisyon na ang Supreme Court, galangin natin ito. Sana ay maging daan ito para sa ating pagkakaisa bilang isang bansa, alang-alang sa ating bayan at mga mamamayan lalo na ang mga mahihirap (Now that the Supreme has decided, we must respect it. I hope this paves the way for us to unite as one nation, for the sake of the country and our poor citizens),” Go stated following the Court’s verdict.

He then reiterated that public service and the delivery of government programs must not be overshadowed by political issues.

Senator Loren Legarda previously stressed the importance of the Senate coming together to discuss the impeachment issue collectively.

“Amidst public confusion and varying opinions re the impeachment, it is incumbent upon the Senate to hold a caucus immediately and discuss it in the plenary so that the statements and decisions are not made unilaterally,” she said.

Senator Joel Villanueva emphasized the Senate's commitment to upholding the rule of law, due process, and constitutional procedures.

“The Senate has always acted with prudence, not haste. We remain guided by our duty to uphold the rule of law and respect due process,” he said.

“As an impeachment court and as a legislative body, we remain committed to following the Constitution and established procedures and will continue to do so.”