Sotto warns against ‘outright’ junking of Sara case amid pending SC appeal

“Let us not dismiss forthwith.”

With firm resolve, Minority Floor Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III opposed the motion to dismiss the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte during the Senate session on August 6, 2025.

Sotto argued that Blue Ribbon Chair Rodante Marcoleta’s motion was based on the Supreme Court’s decision to junk the impeachment case, which remains pending due to a motion for reconsideration (MR).

He pointed out that although the decision is immediately executory, it is not yet final.

“The Supreme Court's decision, although immediately executory, is not yet final. Thus, appealable. Ngayon, maraming nagtatanong kung naka-apela [pa lang] bakit tayo nagmamadali na i-dismiss ito sa atin?” he asked.

The minority chief also said the high court’s decision could still be reversed.

Shooting their own foot

In response, Marcoleta dismissed Sotto’s concerns, stating that eight justices would be needed to overturn the decision—something he deemed highly improbable.

He said the unanimous decision to dismiss the case is solid and unlikely to be retracted.

“Palagay niyo po mayroong isa na nag-reverse, hindi pa rin ma-o-overturn. Kasi ang kailangan niyo ay walo ang mag-reverse. Inaakala po ba ninyo ay may makukuha kayong walo na pumirma roon sa unanimous decision na babaliktarin ang kanilang sarili? Napakahirap po mag-speculate…” Marcoleta fired back.

‘Unanimous mistake’

Despite this, Sotto stood firm, stressing that even a unanimous decision can still be reversed.

“A unanimous decision can be a unanimous mistake. Regardless of whether unanimous or not, it does not bar an appeal or irreversal,” he asserted.“What I'm pointing out is the danger of outright dismissing the impeachment proceedings by virtue of a decision not yet final and still pending,” he further argued.

Sotto then moved to table the motion to dismiss and called on the Supreme Court to review its decision for the sake of fairness in future proceedings.