MANILA – The Supreme Court has ruled that there is no longer any need to compel the Senate to convene as an impeachment court over the 2025 complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, as the issue has become moot.
In a decision penned by Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda, the SC en banc dismissed the petition filed by Catalino Aldeo Generillo Jr., explaining that mandamus was not the proper legal tool to enforce the petitioner’s request.
The Court pointed out that developments after the filing of the petition—including the Senate’s preparatory actions and the nullification of the impeachment articles—rendered the case irrelevant.
It explained that when circumstances change and remove the core issue, courts are no longer required to intervene.
The SC also emphasized the constitutional independence of the Senate, noting that its internal proceedings cannot be controlled by the judiciary unless there is a clear showing of grave abuse of discretion.
Even so, the Court examined the matter as a certiorari petition to determine whether the Senate failed in its duty by not acting immediately. It found no wrongdoing, stating that the Senate acted within an acceptable period.
Clarifying a key constitutional term, the SC said that “forthwith” should not be interpreted as requiring instant action but rather action taken within a reasonable timeframe depending on the situation.
The Court concluded by reminding that while flexibility is allowed, any delay must not compromise the principle that public officials are accountable to the people.
ia/xf
