SENATE President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said that 19 to 20 senators are in favor of respecting the Supreme Court’s ruling that declared the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte unconstitutional.
Following an all-senator caucus on Tuesday, Estrada said the prevailing sentiment was to uphold the high tribunal’s decision.
“Most of my colleagues believe we should abide by the Supreme Court’s ruling,” he told reporters, citing their body language and statements during the meeting.
Estrada explained that the Senate no longer has jurisdiction over the matter, since the Supreme Court ruled the House complaint violated the one-year ban on impeachment filings.
“The Senate won’t convene as an impeachment court. We simply have no jurisdiction anymore,” he added.
The Senate will formally vote on August 6 on whether to comply with the ruling.
While a resolution is reportedly circulating to seek reconsideration from the Court, Estrada believes the chamber must proceed with its scheduled deliberation.
