Former impeachment court spokesperson Regie Tongol said a recent Supreme Court ruling affirms the Senate’s decision to proceed with “deliberate speed” in handling the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
The issue dates back to February 2025, when then-Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero faced criticism for not immediately acting on the Articles of Impeachment transmitted to the chamber. Tongol said the High Court’s ruling has now clarified the matter.
At the center of the debate was Article XI, Section 3(4) of the 1987 Constitution, which states that the Senate must proceed with trial “forthwith.” In a 14-0-1 en banc ruling in Catalino Aldea Generillo Jr. v. Senate of the Philippines, the Supreme Court clarified that “forthwith” means action within a reasonable time—not immediate action.
Tongol said the ruling resolves a key procedural question and supports the Senate’s interpretation of balancing promptness with due process.
“This ensures that impeachment proceedings are guided by reason and deliberation, without unnecessary delay but also without being rushed,” he said.
The decision also addresses earlier criticisms from legal figures who argued that the Senate had violated the Constitution by delaying proceedings.
Tongol added that the ruling reinforces the principle of separation of powers, emphasizing the Senate’s discretion to manage its proceedings in a fair and orderly manner.
He said the Court’s interpretation provides guidance for future impeachment cases, ensuring proceedings remain deliberate while avoiding undue delay.