A SENATOR on Thursday said that she would vote against any motion that calls to dismiss the impeachment of Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio in the Senate, despite the Philippine High Court’s ruling calling it unconstitutional.
“If that happens, we will really debate on it. I am ready, we are ready in the minority to present every argument, every opinion, and if it is really pushed to the vote we will vote on it,” Senator Ana Theresia Hontiveros-Baraquel told a news briefing.
When asked if she would vote against any motions to dismiss the trial in the Senate, Ms. Hontiveros answered in the affirmative.
The Philippine Senate is expected to decide by Aug. 6 whether to uphold the Supreme Court’s ruling that declared the impeachment of the Vice-President unconstitutional, Senate President Francis G. Escudero said in plenary last Tuesday.
Last week, the High Court ruled that Ms. Duterte’s impeachment violated the constitutional ban on filing more than one impeachment complaint against an official within a year.
The tribunal also cited violations of the Vice-President’s right to due process. As a result, any new impeachment complaint against her may only be filed after Feb. 6, 2026.
She added that any motion to dismiss the trial of the Vice-President would be too “premature.”
“It is still premature to file or vote on the motion to dismiss. Because how can we dismiss if we have not heard a single piece of evidence or a warm body witness,” she said.
Ms. Hontiveros said that she is hoping that the impeachment court reconvenes, as the trial is still continuing.
“I think the court is still convened. The trial is continuing, I am hopeful and that will also be the content of my arguments and opinions on Aug. 6 that we will continue to convene towards the most important presentation of evidence and witnesses on each article of impeachment,” she added.
Vice-President Duterte, seen as a leading contender for the presidency in 2028, was impeached in February, with more than 200 congressmen endorsing the complaint. She faces allegations of fund misuse, unexplained wealth, destabilization, and plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., his family, and the Speaker. She has denied all accusations. — Adrian H. Halili
