You’re Judges, Not Lawyers! Sotto Hits Senate Over Sarah Impeach Case

Senator-elect Tito Sotto has criticized the Senate’s recent decision to return the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives, calling out his colleagues for what he described as a violation of proper parliamentary procedure.

In a radio interview, Sotto stressed that senator-judges should not be filing motions during impeachment proceedings to preserve impartiality and neutrality in the trial.

“You are the impeachment court. No motions should be entertained coming from a judge. You’re a judge. Otherwise, you would appear as acting counsel for either the defense or the prosecution,” Sotto pointed out.

The former Senate President recalled that during previous impeachment trials, senator-judges were only allowed to ask questions or seek clarifications—not to actively push for motions that could influence the process.

Sotto’s remarks came after Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa filed a motion to dismiss the impeachment case against Duterte. That motion was later amended to simply send the Articles of Impeachment back to the House of Representatives.

For Sotto, the Senate’s move to question the constitutionality of the impeachment was premature and unfounded.

“Have the prosecutors even presented the Articles of Impeachment for you to say there are infirmities?” he said.

The veteran lawmaker also delivered a stinging rebuke to his fellow senators who he accused of disregarding parliamentary rules.

“To those who are not following the rules and parliamentary procedures of the Senate now—shame on you,” Sotto declared.

Sotto, who previously served as Senate President, is poised to return to the chamber following his victory in the recent elections.

As the controversy over Vice President Duterte’s impeachment deepens, Sotto’s statements add further tension to the already politically charged atmosphere surrounding the proceedings.