A Triumph for Constitutional Democracy: The Senate’s Archiving of the VP Impeachment Case

By: Atty. Arnedo S. Valera

In a landmark moment that reaffirmed the sanctity of our Constitution and the integrity of our democratic institutions, the Philippine Senate, with judicious restraint and statesmanship, archived the impeachment case and trial against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte. This action follows—and honors—the clear and authoritative ruling of the Supreme Court in G.R. No. 278353, which declared the four impeachment complaints filed against the Vice President as void ab initio and unconstitutional, citing egregious violations of due process and procedural requirements enshrined in our 1987 Constitution.

The High Court, in its final and executory decision, found that the House of Representatives had committed grave abuse of discretion when it failed to afford full deliberation and adherence to its own rules. In doing so, the Court reaffirmed its power under Article VIII, Section 1 of the Constitution to strike down actions tainted by such abuse—even those undertaken by co-equal branches.

This decision was not merely a legal technicality—it was a fundamental assertion of our constitutional order. The Supreme Court rightly invoked Francisco v. House of Representatives, 415 SCRA 44 (2003), a case which first solidified the Court’s jurisdiction to review acts of Congress that may overstep constitutional boundaries, particularly in impeachment proceedings. It emphasized that “no branch of government is above the Constitution,” a principle that was echoed in the recent ruling invalidating the hasty and politically charged transmittal of the impeachment complaints.

By voting to archive the impeachment case, the Senate demonstrated institutional discipline and constitutional fidelity. It did not simply yield to the judiciary; it recognized that within the architecture of a republican democracy, each branch must understand its limits—and its obligations.

As I have consistently advocated: “This is democracy at play. The branches of government—the legislature, the judiciary, and the executive—know their respective roles in a republican government where the principle of separation of powers and checks and balances always prevail, articulating and affirming the supremacy of our Constitution.”

To do otherwise would have plunged the nation into a deep constitutional crisis. Instead, the Senate’s action allowed the country to step back from the brink. In a time of political noise and partisan distortion, it chose sobriety, rule of law, and institutional harmony.

Let us also remember: the Court’s decision—and the Senate’s response—is not about protecting personalities; it is about protecting the Constitution, and by extension, every Filipino’s right to a stable, functioning, and accountable government.

To the Filipino people, I say this: Let us remain vigilant, yet hopeful. Let us defend the rule of law even when it is inconvenient. For today, the nation breathes easier—not because we silenced dissent, but because we reaffirmed the constitutional order that gives every voice its rightful place. #

Atty. Arnedo S. Valera is the executive director of the Global Migrant Heritage Foundation and managing attorney at Valera & Associates, a US immigration and anti-discrimination law firm for over 32 years. He holds a master’s degree in International Affairs and International Law and Human Rights from Columbia University and was trained at the International Institute of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws from Ateneo de Manila University.  He is an AB-Philosophy Major at the University  of Santo Tomas ( UST). He is a professor at San Beda Graduate School of Law (LLM Program), teaching International Security and Alliances