House of Representatives Asks Supreme Court to Reconsider Duterte Ruling

By Sherman Calotes | Philippine People's Press 

Manila, Philippines — The House of Representatives (HOR) has formally filed a Motion for Reconsideration before the Supreme Court in response to the tribunal’s earlier decision that invalidated the impeachment proceedings initiated against Vice President Sara Duterte.

The motion was electronically filed via eCourt PH on Monday, August 4, under G.R. No. 278353 (Duterte v. House of Representatives), as confirmed by Supreme Court spokesperson Camille Ting.

“We confirm that the House of Representatives submitted a Motion for Reconsideration via eCourt PH in G.R. No. 278353,” Ting said in a brief statement.

In its 61-page pleading, the House urged the High Court to reconsider and reverse its earlier ruling, which declared the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte unconstitutional. The House argued that the petition filed by the Vice President should be dismissed outright for lack of merit.

The motion stressed that the Lower Chamber’s actions were grounded in its constitutional mandate and not driven by partisan politics.

“The House asks this Honorable Court not to stand with a certain political faction or another, but to uphold the Constitution, which gives life to all the institutions of government, and with the people, who in turn, are the true sovereign, and to whom all accountability, trust, and power, are owed,” a portion of the motion reads.

The Supreme Court's original decision sparked national debate, with critics claiming it could set a precedent that may weaken the system of checks and balances enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.

The impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte was filed earlier this year, citing alleged violations of public trust and abuse of power. However, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Duterte's petition, stating that the impeachment process failed to meet constitutional requirements, effectively nullifying the proceedings.

In seeking reconsideration, the House maintains that it acted within the bounds of its legislative powers, and that the Court’s ruling undermines the independence of the legislative branch.

The Supreme Court has yet to announce a schedule for deliberations on the motion.

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