MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. took a swipe at the Senate and its leader, Sen. Francis Escudero, apparently for their action regarding the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio.
In his speech during the ceremonial signing of the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act at the Malacañang Palace, the Chief Executive called out the senators over their supposed desire to be part of the Supreme Court.
“Senate President Chiz Escudero and the honorable members of the Senate, who are apparently now applying to be included in the Supreme Court,” the President said.
“Nagkaroon lang ng ano — autonomy, e gusto niyo na mag-Supreme Court? Paano naman, how will Chiz pass his ano — his legislation?” the President went on.
The Senate, in a 19-4-1 voting, adopted Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s motion to “adhere to the immediately executory decision” of the SC, effectively shelving the impeachment complaint.
In a majority decision on July 25, the SC ruled that the Senate had no jurisdiction over the impeachment proceedings, citing the Constitution’s one-year ban on the filing of another impeachment case and violations of due process under the Bill of Rights.
The House impeached Duterte-Carpio on February 5, with more than 200 lawmakers endorsing the complaint. She was accused of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.
In response, Duterte-Carpio pleaded “not guilty” to the verified impeachment complaint, which she dismissed as nothing more than a “scrap of paper.”/PN
