MANILA — The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) has issued a sharp rebuke to those questioning the Supreme Court’s decision striking down the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, calling for unwavering respect for the rule of law and warning that any defiance could destabilize the country’s democratic institutions.
“Such actions disturb the equilibrium of powers and imperil the integrity of our democratic institutions, especially when appropriate legal remedies remain available within the framework of our constitutional system,” the IBP said in a statement released over the weekend.
The High Court recently ruled that the articles of impeachment against Duterte-Carpio were unconstitutional — a move that some lawmakers have vowed to contest.
In its strongly worded statement, the IBP emphasized that compliance with constitutional mandates must override political differences.
“The Constitution does not require agreement. It demands adherence,” the organization declared.
Reinforcing the judiciary’s constitutional authority, the IBP affirmed the role of the Supreme Court as the final interpreter of the Constitution.
“As the final arbiter of constitutional questions, the Supreme Court bears the solemn duty to interpret the law, determine its bounds, and clarify its implications even when it revisits past doctrines or addresses new contexts,” it said.
The IBP also underscored the need to respect the separate powers of the three branches of government.
“To uphold the Constitution is to uphold each of its mandates equally — whether judicial, legislative, or executive. We therefore recognize and respect the exclusive power of the House of Representatives to initiate impeachment, just as we acknowledge the Supreme Court’s solemn duty to interpret the Constitution and resolve legal uncertainties in faithful service to the Republic,” the statement read.
Despite the IBP’s call, the House of Representatives announced its intention to appeal the Supreme Court’s ruling, arguing that it is not yet final.
House spokesperson Atty. Princess Abante also issued a warning to the Senate against moving forward with any vote on whether to continue the impeachment trial of Duterte-Carpio.
“We call on our dear Senators to exercise prudence and patience, and to allow the judicial process to reach its rightful conclusion,” Abante said.
She added, “The House remains committed to the rule of law and will exhaust all legal remedies to protect its constitutional mandate — and to ensure that accountability is not casually brushed aside.”
Abante further cautioned that allowing senator-judges to vote on whether to follow the Supreme Court’s decision could jeopardize the integrity of both the House and the impeachment process itself.
Senate President Francis Escudero, who presides over the Senate impeachment court, earlier said the Senate will deliberate on the Supreme Court’s ruling this Wednesday, August 6./PN
