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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Rule of law 'biggest loser' if Senate defies SC ruling on impeachment, Lacson says

Rule of law 'biggest loser' if Senate defies SC ruling on impeachment, Lacson says

Published Jul 26, 2025 08:27 pm
If the Senate decides to defy the Supreme Court's (SC) decision on the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte, the rule of law may end up being the "biggest loser".
Senator Panfilo
Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson (Office of Senator Lacson)
This was according to Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, who said on Saturday, July 26, that while he will follow the decision of the Senate majority on whether to push through with the impeachment trial or not.
He will reiterate his stand in case they vote on the matter.
"Pero kahit anong decision na ilalabas, sa akin ito, kailangan igalang natin at sundin ang ruling ng SC. Otherwise, ang biggest loser dito ang rule of law (Regardless of what the SC decision will be, we must respect it because otherwise, the biggest loser will be the rule of law)," he said in a radio interview with Usapang Senado on DWIZ
"The [SC] is the highest court of the land, and if we do not follow its ruling, will this mean that for every ruling they will issue, we will ignore it because we have our own opinions? There will be chaos, and the rule of law will be the loser. We must uphold the rule of law," he added.
When asked if the Senate would have an option to assert its sole power to try and decide the case, Lacson said the Senate was a collegial body and may decide the issue through a vote.
"On my part, if that will be the majority's decision to push through with the trial, I will follow it, but I will explain my stand during the voting," he said.
However, Lacson noted some legal observers have contrary opinions with the high court's ruling, particularly on the Court’s interpretation of Art. XI Section 3, paragraph (4) - that the filing of a verified complaint by at least 1/3 of all the members of the House of Representatives shall constitute the Articles of Impeachment, and trial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed.
Still, Lacson voiced hopes there will be no unrest as some claim in the event that the impeachment trial does not proceed.
"I hope there will be no unrest. My view is that the High Court is the final arbiter and interpreter of the Constitution. We can expect no interpretation of the law other than the [SC]," Lacson said.

Related Tags

ping lacson Supreme Court impeachment complaint Vice President Sara Duterte
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