The Supreme Court has confirmed that the Senate holds sole authority over the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, following the dismissal of her petition to nullify the House of Representatives' impeachment proceedings. This decision reaffirms that the House has completed its role in initiating the process, and the Senate impeachment court will now proceed with the trial, according to Senate impeachment court spokesperson Atty. Regie Tongol (newsinfo.inquirer.net).
The House prosecution expressed support for the Supreme Court's ruling, stating that the impeachment court is the appropriate forum for Duterte to address the allegations against her. This follows the court's rejection of petitions challenging the legitimacy of the House's impeachment actions, ensuring the process moves forward under the Senate's oversight (abs-cbn.com).
The ruling underscores the constitutional framework for impeachment, clarifying the division of responsibilities between the House and the Senate. With the House having already approved the charges, the Senate is now tasked with conducting the trial and determining Duterte's fate. The next steps will involve the Senate's procedural rules and potential hearings.
