25/07/2025
| Senate President Chiz Escudero said that there is no overreach in the Supreme Court's directive ordering the House of Representatives to provide sworn information and documents regarding the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a statement, Escudero maintained that the House is not higher than the Supreme Court. He added that the high court is in a better position to resolve legal issues on impeachment.
"Comments of overreach with respect to the Supreme Court put them in a position as if they are higher, better, and more intelligent than the Supreme Court when it comes to the law," Escudero said.
He underscored that like any other legal dispute, the SC has a review power to check whether the decisions of lower courts or other branches of government are compliant with the Constitution.
"Pero bilang abogado, alam naming lahat yan. Kapag nagkamali ang regional trial court, ang municipal trial court, or city trial court, pwedeng i-review yan ng Court of Appeals. Pag nagkamali ang Court of Appeals, pwedeng i-review ng Supreme Court iyan," Escudero added.
He also reminded the house to respect the order and decision of the high court, as it is part of the rule of law.
"Pag may iginawad na desisyon ng Korte Suprema, sang-ayon ka man o hindi, it becomes part of the law of the land. Hindi sila pwedeng maging mas magaling pa sa Korte Suprema lalo na pagdating sa pag-interpreta ng batas. Bilang mga abogado, tinuro sa amin yan first year pa lamang kami, sang-ayon ka man o hindi. Pwede mong i-argue yung kaso mo hanggang gusto mo. Pero kapag nagpasiya na ang Korte, sang-ayon ka man o hindi, kailangan galangin, respetuhin at sundin namin yun bilang officers ng Korte," Escudero added.
