In a vote of 18-5, the Senate returned the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives. The decision was made by the senator-judges of the 19th Congress, with Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero presiding over the proceedings.

Escudero clarified that the case was neither dismissed nor concluded. He said the House must first ensure compliance with constitutional requirements, including the one-year ban on filing impeachment complaints against the same public official.

The motion to return the articles was filed by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and supported by the majority. Opposing the motion were Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel III and Senators Risa Hontiveros, Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, and Sherwin Gatchalian.

The Senate now awaits formal confirmation from the 20th Congress of the Lower House that it is ready to proceed with the case before the trial can move forward.

📸 Senate of the Philippines