Sara allies in Senate rejoice, others want trial to proceed

Allies of Vice President Sara Duterte lauded the Supreme Court decision declaring as unconstitutional the impeachment complaint against her.

- MARC JAYSON CAYABYAB

Sen. Bong Go urged his colleagues to respect the decision, as some of them want the trial to push through in defiance of the high court's order.

"We must respect and abide by the decision of the Supreme Court," as the final arbiter on legal issues, barring the current impeachment proceedings on the grounds of due process," Go said.

"Justice delayed is justice denied.

And justice conducted the wrong way is no justice at all. No place for shortcut," Go said.

Sen. Ronald dela Rosa repeated the remarks that he made in his manifestation during the first and only session day of the impeachment trial.

"When I moved for the dismissal of the impeachment complaint vs VP Sara, I was guided by the Holy Spirit. When the SC ruled it as unconstitutional, I'm sure they were guided also by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit defeated the forces of evil! Hallelujah!" Dela Rosa said.

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri said he was alarmed by some of his colleagues still wanting to push through with the trial.

The Senate is risking a constitutional crisis and even contempt of court if it defies a final and executory decision, Zubiri said.

"To those still wanting the impeachment trial to proceed, this I want to tell you: we may be courting a contempt order from the Supreme Court and a possible constitutional crisis, not to mention a dangerous precedent, should we proceed with the impeachment trial in defiance of a unanimous en banc ruling of the High Court," Zubiri said.

Zubiri said the high court has the power of "judicial review," even on impeachment, constitutionally a task of Congress.