Senator Cayetano Cautions Against Rushed Dismissal of Impeachment Case

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano agreed with Senate President Francis Escudero that the senators, acting as impeachment court judges, could vote to dismiss the case against Vice President Sara Duterte without looking at the evidence against her. However, Cayetano cautioned against rushing such a decision without waiting for the Supreme Court to rule on the constitutional issues she had raised against her impeachment.

According to Cayetano, the Senate must avoid shortcuts and ensure its actions can withstand scrutiny, not only from the public but also from the Supreme Court.

The articles of impeachment against Duterte were sent to the Senate on Feb. 5, accusing her of various charges related to the alleged misuse of funds and an alleged assassination plot. Escudero faced criticism for not convening the impeachment court immediately as provided by the Constitution.

In response to questions about dismissing the case without a trial, Escudero emphasized the Senate's broad powers as an impeachment court. He stated that all motions are allowed, including motions to dismiss or convict, and decisions would be based on voting.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) chair Teddy Casiño expressed concern over Escudero's statements, emphasizing that the Senate's role is to conduct a trial and hand down a decision, not to dismiss impeachment articles on procedural or political grounds.

Duterte has sought a temporary restraining order from the Supreme Court to halt her trial, citing financial burden and pending legal actions. The House's decision to delay the impeachment process was criticized by Duterte as a violation of the impeachment process.

According to the source: Inquirer.net.