Defying SC ruling on VP Sara's impeachment erodes legal order —IBP

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) on Saturday called for adherence to the Supreme Court's ruling that declared the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte as unconstitutional.

In a statement, the IBP said that calls to defy the ruling of the High Court "erode the very foundations of the legal order."

"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. 

"The Constitution does not require agreement. It demands adherence," emphasized the IBP.

The IBP maintained its commitment to the constitutional order, which limits the powers of the branches of government, defining their roles and demanding their accountability.

"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," said the IBP. 

The IBP also said that, "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."

Moving forward

Previously, the House of Representatives said it is preparing to file a motion for reconsideration of the Supreme Court’s decision as it argued that the ruling was based on what it described as incorrect findings that contradict official records.

Meanwhile, retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio earlier said that there is still a possibility that the Supreme Court will reverse its decision declaring the articles of impeachment against Duterte as unconstitutional. 

Carpio said this, hinging on the plan of the House of Representatives to file a motion for reconsideration on the SC decision as the lower chamber argued that the ruling was based on incorrect findings that contradict official records.

“Theoretically, pwede [it’s possible]. I mean, there’s no rule or law, constitutional provision that say that they [cannot] correct themselves,” Carpio said in a forum.

According to the former SC associate justice, there had been many instances in the past when the high court “completely reversed itself.” 

Further, constitutional law expert Atty. Domingo "Egon" Cayosa said  the Senate may opt to proceed with the trial of Duterte despite the Supreme Court's decision.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros had said a draft resolution is being circulated containing former justices’ advice on how the Senate should proceed following the Supreme Court ruling declaring the articles of impeachment against Duterte as unconstitutional.

However, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said 19 to 20 senators are likely to adhere to the decision of the SC.

Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa on Saturday posted on social media saying he will not sign any resolution questioning the SC decision. 

"Hindi ako abogado pero marunong akong rumespeto at sumunod sa hatol ng Korte Suprema kaya hindi ninyo ako mapapirma sa isang resolution na kumukwestyun nito," dela Rosa said. 

(I'm not a lawyer but I know how to respect and follow the Supreme Court's ruling so you can't make me sign a resolution questioning it.) —VAL, GMA Integrated News