Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the constitutional term “forthwith,” saying it provides clarity on procedural timelines even as he assured that the Senate will act promptly once it receives any Articles of Impeachment.
The Supreme Court recently ruled that “forthwith,” as used in Article XI, Section 3(4) of the 1987 Constitution, should be understood as “within a reasonable time,” depending on the circumstances of each case.
In a chance interview after an all-senators caucus, Sotto said the ruling does not directly affect the Senate’s internal processes and emphasized that both institutions remain co-equal branches of government.
He noted that the decision was issued in response to a petition before the Court and should not be interpreted as a directive on how the Senate conducts its own constitutional duties.
“Hindi naman sumasaklaw yung decision na yan sa trabaho ng Senado,” Sotto said, adding that the ruling does not interfere with the chamber’s authority or procedures.
Sotto said that once the Senate formally receives the Articles of Impeachment from the House of Representatives, it will convene as an impeachment court without delay.
He said his interpretation of “forthwith” means immediate action, ideally the following day after receipt of the articles, underscoring the need for prompt institutional response.
The Senate leader reiterated that while the Supreme Court’s ruling provides guidance on constitutional interpretation, it remains separate from the Senate’s obligations as an impeachment court, which will proceed based on its own rules and timelines.