MANILA — Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros asserted that the issue of jurisdiction over the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte is already a settled matter, countering plans by Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to question it before the 20th Congress.
According to Hontiveros, the matter of jurisdiction was discussed and resolved during the 19th Congress, and there is no need to reopen the debate. “The question of jurisdiction has already been addressed. We should proceed with the constitutional mandate,” she said.
Her statement came in response to Senator Dela Rosa’s intent to file a motion questioning whether the Senate under the 20th Congress has jurisdiction over the impeachment case, as proceedings were initiated in the previous Congress.
Hontiveros emphasized that under the Constitution, the Senate is obligated to try all impeachment cases, and there is no provision that limits this responsibility based on congressional terms. She also expressed her readiness to engage in debate should any senator formally raise a motion on the floor.
Moreover, the senator opposed Dela Rosa’s plan to consult the plenary first before allowing the Senate Impeachment Court to proceed with the case. “The impeachment court, not the plenary, is the proper venue for such matters,” she argued.
Hontiveros said she anticipates intense deliberations once the trial formally begins but remains firm that the Senate must follow its constitutional role.
The impeachment case against Vice President Duterte has yet to begin formal trial proceedings, but early maneuvering in the Senate signals a potentially contentious process ahead.
