Nelson Morales

Hontiveros: Senate has numbers to proceed with VP Sara impeachment trial

Sen. Risa Hontiveros presides over an inquiry conducted by the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality on May 30, 2023 on illegal activities involving foreign nationals, including human trafficking and racketeering, via scam hubs in various points in the country. Joseph Vidal, Senate PRIB handout

Article (news)

Anthony James Bayog

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday expressed confidence that the Senate will move forward with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying there is sufficient support among senator-judges to block any move to junk the complaint.&quot;Buhay po ang trial at nagpapatuloy as we speak. May bilang po kami na desididong ipagpatuloy ang prosesong ito until its logical and rightful conclusion,&quot; Hontiveros said in an interview with DZMM. The senator added that since Duterte had already submitted an <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/6/23/sara-duterte-pleads-impeachment-case-unconstitutional-1725">answer ad cautelam</a>, there is no more reason to delay nor stop the proceedings. MOTIONS TO DISMISSHontiveros responded to reports that some senators may file resolutions to dismiss the case, saying she is ready to engage in debate should such motions arise on the floor.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/6/27/senate-court-cannot-just-dismiss-impeach-raps-constitution-framer-1229?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=facebook&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawLkKY9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFqNldrN0t2ZDNDTmplY1RhAR6sR77_55gaJXnYIlSerpc7F7NnqY52aWbVRSGzeJ8Mz6aXXGNXTqM4YK4U-w_aem_qeZ8Uz6R5AOZnoyIIeJ6dw">&#x27;Where did that come from?&#x27;: Senate court cannot just &#x27;dismiss&#x27; impeach raps — Constitution framer</a></div>&quot;Kung may ibang magra-raise ng ganitong motion pag-upo namin bilang Korte sa July 29, handa akong makipag-debate dyan,&quot; she assertedAccording to Hontiveros, such motions must be introduced by the defense and should not come from a senator-judge.She said that the Senate impeachment court should first hear the evidence and the arguments of both parties before deciding whether to convict or acquit.&quot;Miscarriage of justice kung basta na lang madi-dismiss o mako-convict nang hindi napapakinggan ang ebidensya,&quot; she said. &quot;Dinggin muna bago magdesisyon.&quot;<div> </div>IMPARTIALITY AND RECUSALS Addressing questions of bias among other senator-judges, Hontiveros reiterated that all members of the Senate impeachment court are constitutionally bound to remain impartial.&quot;Ngayon under oath na kami, so senator-judges na kami. So, obligado na kami na maging impartial sa aming pananalita, at sa aming pagkilos,&quot; she added.As for recusals, she explained that it is a voluntary decision for a senator-judge and not a mandated rule. SUPREME COURT&#x27;S ORDER Meanwhile, Hontiveros respects the <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/7/11/sc-orders-house-senate-to-submit-information-on-duterte-impeachment-1806">Supreme Court&#x27;s recent order</a> to Congress seeking information about the impeachment.&quot;Whenever the Supreme Court speaks on anything, importanteng boses po &#x27;yon at pinakikinggan ng lahat, pati kami sa Senado,&quot; she added.She clarified that while four impeachment complaints were filed in the House, only one was transmitted before the Senate, debunking allegations that the lower chamber violated the one-year bar rule.The Senate impeachment court is set to reconvene on July 29 as 20th Congress opens after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.&#x27;s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday expressed confidence that the Senate will move forward with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying there is sufficient support among senator-judges to block any move to junk the complaint.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday expressed confidence that the Senate will move forward with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying there is sufficient support among senator-judges to block any move to junk the complaint.