MANILA – Incoming ML Party-list Representative Leila de Lima strongly criticized the Senate’s decision to send back the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives without dismissing or terminating the case.
“This is no longer justice—it’s a farce,” de Lima said, accusing the Senate of acting without due process. “They asked the questions and gave themselves the answers,” she added.
On Tuesday, the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, voted 18–5 to remand the case, citing constitutional and jurisdictional concerns raised during the plenary. However, de Lima, who recently joined the House’s prosecution panel, called the move a “stain” on democracy.
She also praised senators Risa Hontiveros, Koko Pimentel, Nancy Binay, Win Gatchalian, and Grace Poe for opposing the motion, and likened the proceedings to a “cult” rather than a court.
Senate President Chiz Escudero previously said the House has no choice but to accept the Senate’s decision, though he acknowledged no formal pleadings had been received yet.
The House impeached Duterte on February 5 on charges including betrayal of public trust and corruption. Duterte has since claimed the impeachment is politically motivated.
De Lima vowed to keep fighting for justice: “We won’t stay silent. The truth cannot be buried under legal technicalities.”