Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday, August 6, expressed his support for the Senate’s decision to archive the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, citing the Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling that rendered the case unconstitutional and void from the outset.
In explaining his affirmative vote before the Senate plenary, Go emphasized the importance of respecting the judiciary’s authority, maintaining constitutional checks and balances, and refocusing legislative efforts on urgent national issues.
“I vote yes and I will explain my vote. Mr. President, I want to register my affirmative vote to adhere to the Supreme Court decision and to archive the articles of impeachment,” Go declared.
He noted that the Supreme Court’s decision is “crystal clear,” final, and immediately executory, leaving no room for further deliberation.
“The ruling is clear. Wala na dapat tayong impeachment na pag-uusapan sa ngayon,” he said.
Go warned that questioning a decision already ruled upon by the country’s highest court could upset the balance of power among the branches of government, potentially eroding public trust in national institutions.
“Disrupt that delicate balance and we shake, if not threaten, the foundation of our democratic system,” he cautioned.
While backing the Supreme Court’s authority, the senator was also quick to clarify that his stance should not be mistaken as dismissing public accountability.
“Hindi ko sinasabi na hindi tayo sang-ayon sa accountability… Haharapin at haharapin nila [Dutertes] ang anumang hamon ng panahon, basta ginagawa lamang ito sa tamang paraan,” he said, noting that Vice President Duterte herself expressed willingness to face the impeachment process.
Go also reminded the chamber of his earlier recommendation during June’s deliberations, when he suggested returning the complaint to the House of Representatives to ensure due process.
“Justice done the wrong way is not justice at all,” he said.
Asserting that there are legal mechanisms to hold public officials accountable, Go maintained that such efforts must be done lawfully.
He called on his colleagues to shift focus from political distractions and instead prioritize crafting laws that would address pressing issues faced by ordinary Filipinos.
“Mr. President, mag-move on na tayo upang mas magampanan natin ang ating mga pangunahing mandato — at ito ay ang magpanday ng mga batas. Batas na makakatulong sa mga mahihirap nating kababayang Pilipino,” he urged.
Citing the daily struggles of Filipinos — from unemployment and hunger to lack of access to healthcare and education — Go urged the Senate to return to its core legislative responsibilities.
“Nabibingi na nga ang mga Pilipino dahil sa ingay ng pulitika… pulitikang hindi naman makapagbibigay lunas sa mga may sakit,” he said.
Ending his speech, Go called for national unity and collective action in service of the people.
“Let us buckle down to our work. The people expect nothing less from us... Nakikiusap ako na magka-isa na tayo para makapagserbisyo na tayo sa ating mga kapwa Pilipino,” he said.