Senate Sends Duterte Impeachment Articles Back to House Amidst Procedural Disputes

The Philippine Senate, acting as an impeachment court, has decided to return the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives. This decision, reached after a session where senators were sworn in as judges, has been met with some controversy. Senator Imee Marcos stated, "I make this oath ad cautelam, without prejudice to the resolution of jurisdictional issues." However, the vote to return the articles was not without dissent. Senator Robin Padilla expressed reservations about the process, while Senator Ronald dela Rosa argued that he should have been allowed to deliver a privilege speech before taking his oath. The video shows the senators taking their oaths and the ensuing debate. Despite some disagreements, the Senate ultimately voted to remand the articles, leading to further discussion on the future of the impeachment proceedings. The swift action of the Senate demonstrates the seriousness of the impeachment process and the importance of adhering to constitutional procedures, even amidst disagreements.