Paolo Tamase

The #SupremeCourtPH (SC) 𝘌𝘯 𝘉𝘢𝘯𝘤, during its session today, April 29, 2026, dismissed the petition for mandamus filed by Catalino Aldea Generillo, Jr., which sought to compel the Senate to immediately convene as an impeachment court to try the charges against Vice President Sara Duterte. In a 14-0-1 Decision written by Associate Justice Rodil V. Zalameda, the SC held that mandamus, which is meant to enforce a clear legal duty, was not the proper remedy. It ruled that the Senate’s actions within its sphere cannot be revised or controlled by the judicial department through mandamus. As a co-equal constitutional body, the Senate’s exercise of its duties is beyond the SC’s power of review, except in cases of grave abuse of discretion. However, specifically for this case and in the interest of equity, the SC treated the petition as one for certiorari and proceeded to determine whether the Senate acted unlawfully or abused its discretion when it did not convene immediately as an impeachment court during its session break. Contrary to the petitioner’s claim, the SC found that the Senate acted on the impeachment complaint in a timely manner. While the Constitution requires the House of Representatives to act within a certain number of session days on an impeachment complaint, it does not specify a fixed timeframe for the Senate to start an impeachment trial. It simply provides that the trial “shall forthwith proceed,” leaving the timing to the Senate’s discretion. The SC clarified that the term “forthwith” in Article XI, Section 3(4) of the Constitution means within a reasonable time, which may be longer or shorter, depending on the circumstances of each case. This allows the Senate to make the necessary preparations to convene as an impeachment court. While the Constitution does not set an exact date for the trial, the Senate must avoid undue delay to uphold the principle that public officers must at all times be accountable to the people. The SC considered the petition moot because the Senate had begun impeachment preparations, and the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Duterte were nullified by the SC’s July 25, 2025 Decision and January 28, 2026 Resolution in Duterte v. House of Representatives. A case is moot when subsequent events remove any issues, making court rulings unnecessary. Since no Articles of Impeachment remained, the SC had no reason to order the Senate to convene as an impeachment court. Read the full text of the Press Briefer at sc.judiciary.gov.ph/?p=164510 The full text of the Decision will be uploaded to the SC website once available. Copying of this content is subject to the SC PIO’s Credit Attribution Policy.

Supreme Court clarifies that “forthwith” as mentioned in the Constitution in relation to impeachment cases means “within a reasonable time, which may be longer or shorter, depending on the circumstances of each case.” | via @adrianayalin

⚠️ IMPEACHMENT SA GITNA NG KRISIS? ⚠️ While Congress debates impeachment, millions of Filipinos struggle with the global oil crisis—rising fuel costs, inflation, and the heavy burden on families. Instead of urgent solutions, what we see is political bickering that distracts from the real work of governance. Accountability is important, but timing and focus matter. In moments of crisis, leadership should prioritize relief, stability, and concrete action for the people. The nation needs clarity, urgency, and compassion—not endless partisan battles. @TristanNodalo

UPDATE: Minors aged 18 and below are no longer allowed on the streets of Metro Manila starting 10 p.m., the Philippine National Police and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced on Monday, based on their "Safer Metro Manila Plan". "Kapag hindi nag-aaral o nagta-trabaho, (kelangan) proof of employment or education na nag-aaral sa oras na 'yon na pauwi kayo, bawal na kayo sa kalye after 10 p.m.," said Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. Aside from this, authorities will now prohibit drinking and gambling on streets. Using videoke is also only allowed until 10 p.m. except on fiestas and if a permit is secured. | via @chedcgatchalian, bnc.ph

Dalawa ang nasawi at 4 ang sugatan matapos ang pamamaril ng isang lalaki sa basketball court sa loob ng isang condominium compound sa Bgy. Marcelo Green, Parañaque City, Miyerkules ng gabi, March 4, 2026. @ABSCBNNews #SelfiePatrol