MANILA — Senators reacted with mixed views following the Supreme Court’s ruling declaring as unconstitutional the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, citing violations of the one-year bar rule and due process.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada welcomed the Court’s decision, emphasizing the Senate’s commitment to the rule of law.

“I expect the body, when we convene the 20th Congress, to take a collective stand by acceding to the High Court’s decision,” Estrada said in a statement.

He added that the ruling is “a vital reminder that all efforts to hold public officials accountable must be firmly grounded in legality and due process.”

Estrada also said the decision allows lawmakers to refocus on “more pressing issues confronting the country,” including rehabilitation efforts in areas battered by recent typhoons.

However, Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed disappointment over the “sudden halt” in the impeachment trial, noting that the ruling leaves “many disturbing questions.”

“Isa sa ipinagtataka natin ay kung paano naviolate ang ‘one year bar rule’ ngayong iisa lang naman ang kaso na iniakyat sa Senado,” Hontiveros said, citing the Supreme Court’s previous ruling in Gutierrez vs. House of Representatives that emphasized the time element—not the number of complaints—as the basis for the one-year bar.

She also raised concerns over the “numerous new requirements” imposed by the Court on initiating impeachment. “I can only hope that this new ruling will not adversely affect future efforts to hold our highest public officers accountable,” she said.

Meanwhile, Senator Imee Marcos issued a brief statement calling for unity and focus: “Galangin at respetuhin ang desisyon ng Korte Suprema. Sa mga kasamahan kong senador — trabaho na po tayo. Atupagin na natin ang kapakanan ng mamamayan. Awat muna sa pulitika.”