MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros cautioned against rushing to dismiss the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the Senate has yet to hear any evidence or witness testimony.

“Personally, hanggang ngayon premature kung maghahain o pagbobotohan ang motion to dismiss. Kasi anong i-dismiss namin kung hindi pa ni isang pirasong ebidensya o isang warm body na witness ay narinig,” Hontiveros said in a media forum at the Senate.

Her statement comes amid reports that some senators are inclined to file a motion to dismiss the complaint following a Supreme Court ruling that declared it unconstitutional.

While the Senate minority bloc is still studying the full implications of the ruling, Hontiveros said they are preparing to present their arguments during the scheduled August 6 deliberations.

The senator also disclosed that a draft resolution is being circulated among senators, which reflects inputs from former Supreme Court justices on how the chamber can respond to the high court’s decision. She declined to confirm whether the resolution would explicitly urge the filing of a motion for reconsideration.

Despite the legal setback, Hontiveros maintained that the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, is still in session and that the trial remains active.

“I think the court is still convened. The trial is continuing. I’m hopeful, and I will present that argument on August 6,” she said.