Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa on Wednesday, June 4, confirmed that the draft Senate resolution seeking to dismiss the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte originated from his office.

In an interview, Dela Rosa said the initiative was his alone, and that he was not directed by any external party, including the Vice President.

“Galing ‘yon sa office ko. You’ll understand everything—very self-explanatory. Mabasa niyo doon ano sinasabi ko, ano saloobin ko,” he said.

“Ako itong initiative. Wala siyang pakialam dito,” he said of the Vice President.

The draft resolution sought the dismissal of the impeachment complaint against the second top official of the land citing a lapse of more than 100 days since the Articles of Impeachment were transmitted to the Senate without any corresponding action from the Senate—which is set to adjourn sine die on June 14.

Dela Rosa urged the public and fellow lawmakers to read the draft resolution, emphasizing that its contents clearly explain the intent behind it.

The resolution, which has yet to be formally filed, seeks to render moot the impeachment complaint filed during the 19th Congress, citing the lack of jurisdiction of the 20th Congress to act upon it.

“Based on my readings, legal opinions coming from legal experts, walang jurisdiction ang 20th Congress to act on the impeachment filed sa 19th Congress,” he argued.

He also said he did not personally report to Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero about the resolution but noted that some senators, including Sen. Imee Marcos and Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, had access to it and gave inputs.

Dela Rosa revealed that there are at least three working drafts, with inputs coming from various senators.

“Yung iba may ibang draft… siguro iincorporate ‘yon kung anumang magagandang provision para mapaganda ‘yung final version,” he explained.

While he would not disclose the exact number of senators backing the draft, Dela Rosa indicated that support was growing. He maintained that regardless of whether the resolution is adopted, his intent is to make a clear stand on the matter.

The senator also said the resolution is meant to support the manifestation of Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, whose view is that the impeachment complaint cannot be carried over to the 20th Congress.

Asked whether the move indicates a lack of confidence in VP Duterte’s legal defense, Dela Rosa replied: “Confident ako, sobrang confident ako.”

Still, he insisted that the main concern is timing and practicality. “Saan tayo kukuha ng time?” he asked, casting doubt on whether the Senate could realistically hold a trial during the current session.

As of now, the resolution remains in draft form, with final inputs expected from other senators. Dela Rosa said he may file the measure as early as next week.

Several senators have responded to the emergence of a purported draft Senate resolution circulating in the Upper Chamber.

Estrada acknowledged seeing a printed copy of the alleged resolution earlier in the week but clarified it was only being shown informally, not filed or endorsed. He emphasized that regardless of who signs it, unless the resolution is formally filed and included in the Senate’s agenda, it carries no weight.

Estrada maintained that impeachment proceedings are a constitutional mandate and must be handled accordingly. He deferred to legal experts on whether a mere Senate resolution could override that duty, adding that he has consulted his lawyers but chose not to disclose their opinions.

Senator Joel Villanueva confirmed he only saw a copy of the supposed resolution through the Senate media group chat and has not read it in full.

“I never received anything official,” he said, emphasizing the importance of refraining from commenting on the merits of the case until it reaches the proper stage.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, an ally of the Duterte bloc, said he has not received or been asked to sign any resolution seeking to dismiss the impeachment case. He expressed a desire to focus on legislative work, saying he’s been busy shepherding bills such as local hospital measures.

“If there’s no evidence, let’s not drag this out,” Go said.

But he also emphasized the need for impartiality: “Once we convene as an impeachment court, we must be fair and evidence-based.”

Go acknowledged that the decision on whether to proceed with the impeachment trial rests with the Senate leadership, and said he would support what is lawful and in line with Senate procedure.

Escudero has already stated there is no resolution formally filed or pending in the Senate, and dismissed circulating copies as “mere scraps of paper.” The Senate is expected to reconvene as an impeachment court on June 11, barring any procedural moves that could delay or dismiss the trial outright.