Villar: Upholding Constitution key in junking Sara impeachment

Senator Mark Villar stood firmly by the Supreme Court’s recent decision to strike down the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing that the Senate must respect the Constitution and the judiciary's authority as the final arbiter of constitutional disputes.

In a statement on Thursday, Villar stressed that the Senate, even in its capacity as an impeachment tribunal, is not above the law. 

He cited Article VIII, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution, which grants the judiciary the power to determine grave abuse of discretion by any government branch.

"No one, including the Senate, can substitute its opinion over the Court’s in any matter concerning the Constitution," Villar declared, citing the landmark Angara v. Electoral Commission case to underscore the Court’s constitutional supremacy.

The senator’s statement follows the High Court’s unanimous July 25 decision declaring the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Duterte unconstitutional. 

The Court cited violations of the Constitution’s “one-year rule,” which prohibits initiating more than one impeachment proceeding against the same official within a year, as well as breaches of due process.

Justice Marvic Leonen, who penned the decision, wrote that "impeachment may be political in nature, but it cannot disregard the fundamental requirements of fairness and legal process.”

Villar warned that defying the Court’s ruling would not only violate the Constitution but could also ignite a constitutional crisis.

“Kung susuway tayo sa desisyon ng Supreme Court sa isang isyung konstitusyonal, binabalewala natin ang konstitusyon,” he said, reminding fellow lawmakers of their sworn duty to uphold the charter and obey lawful orders.

He pointed out that obedience to the Constitution is not just a legal obligation but a moral one—part of every senator’s Oath of Office.

Due process for all

Villar also echoed Justice Leonen’s reminder that due process applies to everyone, regardless of status.

“This decision proves that due process is not an empty phrase,” Villar said. “It is a promise of fairness that our institutions are prepared to uphold.”

He argued that while impeachment is a political tool, it must not become a weapon that disregards procedure or tramples rights.

“There is a right way to do the right thing at the right time. This is what the Rule of Just Law means,” he said, quitting Leonen. 

Villar then clarified that his vote to uphold the Court’s decision was not a betrayal of the Senate’s independence, but a necessary affirmation of democratic principles and the supremacy of the Constitution.

“To preserve our democracy, we must first preserve the rule of law,” he said.