Sen. Mark Villar.
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Mark Villar stood firmly in protection of the Philippine Structure on the Senate ground, explaining his vote in opposition to continuing with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, following a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court docket.
The Supreme Court docket had earlier declared the Articles of Impeachment in opposition to the vice chairman unconstitutional, citing violations of the “one-year rule” and due course of. The unanimous resolution, handed down on July 25, was central to Villar’s clarification of vote.
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Respecting Judicial Authority
In his speech, Villar emphasised the Senate’s obligation to respect the authority of the Supreme Court docket as the final word interpreter of the Structure.
He quoted Article VIII, Part 1 of the Structure, which establishes the judiciary’s energy to examine grave abuses of discretion by any authorities department — together with the Senate appearing as an impeachment tribunal.
“Nobody, together with the Senate, can substitute its opinion over the Court docket’s in any matter regarding the Structure,” Villar declared, citing the historic Angara vs. Electoral Fee case to bolster the Supreme Court docket’s constitutional function.
Shifting from authorized to ethical responsibility, Villar invoked the senators’ Oath of Workplace, which binds them to uphold the Structure and obey authorized orders. He warned that disobeying the Court docket’s ruling would set off a constitutional disaster that might solely undermine the foundations of the nation’s democratic system.
“If we disobey the choice of the Supreme Court docket in a constitutional challenge then we’re setting apart the structure,” he stated, stressing the necessity for institutional integrity and mutual respect amongst co-equal branches of presidency.
Due Course of for All
Villar echoed the emotions of Senior Affiliate Justice Marvic Leonen, the ponente of the Court docket’s resolution, stating that the impeachment course of should stay devoted to due course of, though it’s inherently political.
He underscored that the safety of rights and adherence to correct process should apply to everybody — from high-ranking officers to odd residents.
“This resolution proves that due course of is just not an empty phrase,” Villar stated. “It’s a promise of equity that our establishments are ready to uphold.”
He concluded with a strong quote from Justice Leonen: “There’s a proper technique to do the correct factor on the proper time. That is what the Rule of Simply Regulation means.
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Villar’s clarification reaffirmed his dedication to the constitutional order and authorized due course of, asserting that his vote was not a give up of the Senate’s independence however a stand for the supremacy of the rule of regulation.
