Senator Villar stands by Supreme Court ruling, casts vote against impeachment hearing
Senator Mark Villar Defends Constitution During Impeachment Trial
Senator Mark Villar reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law during the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. He based his decision to vote against proceeding with the trial on the Supreme Court's landmark ruling, which declared the Articles of Impeachment against the Vice President unconstitutional.
Villar emphasized the Senate’s constitutional obligation to respect the Supreme Court’s authority as the final interpreter of the Constitution. He warned that disregarding the Court's decision would amount to setting aside the Constitution itself, potentially triggering a constitutional crisis harmful to the country's democratic foundations.
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled on July 25, 2025, that the impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte was unconstitutional because it violated procedural rules, specifically the one-year period for filing such complaints and due process.
Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen's quote, "There is a right way to do the right thing at the right time. This is what the Rule of Just Law means," was referenced by Villar, underscoring the need for the impeachment process to be guided by the Rule of Just Law.
Villar's stance reinforces judicial supremacy and the rule of law in the Philippines, preserving the separation of powers by preventing the legislature from disregarding the judiciary’s decisions. His position reflects a commitment to upholding constitutional processes and preventing a political or constitutional crisis arising from proceeding with what the Supreme Court deemed an invalid impeachment case.
The Senator's explanation emphasized the need to uphold the Philippine Constitution and obey legal orders, as mandated by the Oath of Office. He quoted Article VIII, Section 1 of the Constitution, which establishes the judiciary's power to check grave abuses of discretion by any government branch.
Villar also underscored that protection of rights and adherence to proper procedure must apply to everyone, including high-ranking officials. He warned that disobeying the Supreme Court's ruling on the impeachment process could trigger a constitutional crisis.
In conclusion, Senator Mark Villar's decision to vote against the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte was a stand for the supremacy of the rule of law and the upholding of the Philippine Constitution. His explanation reaffirmed his commitment to legal due process and the need for institutional integrity and mutual respect among co-equal branches of government.
- Senator Mark Villar's decision, grounded in the Supreme Court's ruling, emphasizes the importance of adhering to the rule of law and respecting the constitutional obligations of the government during war-and-conflicts, policy-and-legislation, and politics.
- Villar's stance on the impeachment trial underscores the need for general news media to highlight the role of the judiciary in maintaining justice and upholding the Constitution, especially amid war-and-conflicts and political crises.
- By standing firm on the supremacy of the rule of law and respect for the judiciary's decisions, Senator Mark Villar's actions serve as a reminder of the importance of policy-and-legislation that prioritizes justice and maintains the separation of powers in the government, even during times of war-and-conflicts.
