A political analyst and constitutional law expert emphasized that an impeachment case cannot be dismissed without trial, as required by the Philippine Constitution.
This statement follows Senate President Francis Escudero’s remark that the impeachment court may dismiss the case against Vice President Sara Duterte through majority vote.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo Cauayan, Atty. Michael Henry Yusingco cited Section 3, Article XI of the 1987 Constitution, which mandates that the Senate must try any impeachment complaint filed before it.
He stressed that dismissing an impeachment case without trial would constitute a clear violation of the nation’s charter.
Yusingco further asserted that senators must remain impartial in carrying out their mandate as judges in the impeachment court.
He noted that impartiality is crucial to ensure a fair outcome and that the Senate’s decision aligns with the evidence presented.