Villanueva, Padilla argue over motion to dismiss VP Sara’s impeachment complaint

Tension rose between Senators Joel Villanueva and Robin Padilla during Tuesday’s plenary session due to their opposing views regarding the motion seeking to dismiss the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Prior to what seems like a heated exchange, Villanueva had objected to Dela Rosa’s motion to terminate Duterte’s verified impeachment complaint, saying that since the impeachment court, at that time, was not yet convened. He added that the Senate has “no constitutional authority as legislative body to dismiss an impeachment complaint.”

Padilla, a known ally of the Duterte family, said the impeachment court was supposed to convene on Wednesday, June 11.

While the session was suspended, Padilla was seen approaching Villanueva following a heated exchange in the plenary. The two senators were pulled apart by their colleagues.

In the report of Raffy Tima on "24 Oras," after Sen. Chiz Escudero ruled that it is appropriate to convene the Senate as an impeachment court, Padilla approached Villanueva and shook his hand. 

The two senators were seen hugging and they were joined by Dela Rosa.

Senators convened as the impeachment court and after which, with the senators took their oath as judges. — BAP, GMA Integrated News