Sotto vows to act ‘forthwith’ on possible impeachment raps

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III on Tuesday committed to immediately act on any impeachment complaint that may possibly transmitted to the Senate.

“One thing is certain, as [Senate President], I will act on it with dispatch, forthwith!” Sotto said.

Filing of impeachment complaint is looming against the country’s top two officials —- President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte.

Malacañang had said that Marcos is ready to face any impeachment complaint against him.

Duterte, meanwhile, said she was not surprised by the plans to refile an impeachment complaint against her, alleging that it is being used as a “bargaining chip” by certain lawmakers before the passage of the 2026 national budget.

To recall, the House of Representatives impeached Duterte in February last year, with over 200 lawmakers endorsing the complaint. The Vice President was accused of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.

The Senate, then under the leadership of former Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, later on voted to archive the articles of impeachment against the Vice President.

Asked if the Senate, which is now being led by Sotto, is preparing for any impeachment raps, the Senate President said, “That’s putting the cart before the horse.”

“Meron bang impeachment? Pareho bang papasa sa [House of Representatives]?,” Sotto added.

(Are there any impeachment complaints? Will both be approved by the House?)

Article XI Section 3(4) of the 1987 Constitution, which states that: “In case the verified complaint or resolution of impeachment is filed by at least one-third of all the Members of the House, the same shall constitute the Articles of Impeachment, and trial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed.”  — BAP, GMA Integrated News