The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has broken its silence, expressing support for the Supreme Court’s authority to review impeachment proceedings — stating that the “political nature” of such cases does not exempt them from constitutional scrutiny.
In an official statement released Friday night, the IBP addressed the high court’s ruling in the controversial case of Duterte v. House of Representatives.
Citing the principle of checks and balances, the IBP emphasized that the Supreme Court’s power to interpret constitutional limitations is a critical element of the country’s democratic framework.
“This authority is rooted in checks and balances: the very design that guards against the excesses of any branch,” the IBP said.
While acknowledging the House of Representatives’ exclusive power to initiate impeachment, the IBP argued that this authority is not absolute.
It maintained that judicial review does not “diminish” the legislature’s role but rather “dignifies it” by ensuring the process complies with the Constitution.
The IBP also addressed critics of the high court’s ruling, warning against inciting public rejection of the judiciary’s role.
The group cautioned that such actions could “disturb the equilibrium of powers and imperil the integrity of our democratic institutions, especially when appropriate legal remedies remain available within the framework of our constitutional system.”
The statement concluded with a firm call to uphold the rule of law.
“If every adverse ruling becomes an invitation to disobey, the law ceases to be a constraint on power and becomes its casualty,” the IBP said. “The Constitution does not require agreement. It demands adherence.”