READ!!! READ!!! READ!!! 🚨🚨
THE ULTIMATE CALL FROM FORMER CHIEF JUSTICE REYNATO PUNO
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION ASSOCIATION (PhilConsa)
On the Supreme Court Ruling in G.R. No. 278353 “Sara Z. Duterte vs. House of Representatives, et al.”
July 30, 2025
The Philippine Constitution Association (PhilConsa) expresses its serious concern over the Supreme Court’s ruling in G.R. No. 278353, which nullified the impeachment proceedings initiated by the House of Representatives against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte. With due respect to the Honorable Court, we believe this decision overreaches constitutional boundaries, disrupts the separation of powers, and weakens Congress’ exclusive authority to hold impeachable officers accountable.
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The Facts Cannot Be Ignored
Between December 2024 and February 2025, four impeachment complaints were filed against Vice President Duterte. The first three complaints, though officially docketed, were never pursued. They were neither found sufficient in form and substance nor referred for committee hearings. On February 5, 2025, a fourth complaint—this time endorsed by 215 members of the House, more than the required one-third—was transmitted as Articles of Impeachment to the Senate, in full accordance with the Constitution.
Yet on July 25, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that the fourth complaint was barred under the one-year rule in Article XI, Section 3(5) of the Constitution, on the theory that the filing of earlier complaints—even if not acted upon—already “initiated” the impeachment process.
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This Interpretation Is Constitutionally Flawed
PhilConsa respectfully but firmly disagrees with this interpretation. The one-year bar rule was designed to prevent harassment through repeated impeachment proceedings—not to protect impeachable officers from ever facing trial by allowing them to take cover behind mere filings. As the Court itself held in Francisco v. House of Representatives, impeachment is only deemed initiated after the complaint is found sufficient in form and substance and referred to the Committee on Justice. The earlier complaints never reached that stage. To treat them as having “initiated” proceedings defies both logic and constitutional intent.
This ruling invites dangerous abuse. It opens the door for impeachable officials—or their allies—to deliberately file weak or premature complaints to “consume” the one-year window and block any real effort at accountability. This is not a safeguard against harassment—it is a blueprint for evasion.
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Judicial Restraint vs. Judicial Activism
This case called for judicial restraint, not judicial activism. The Constitution gave the House of Representatives the sole power to initiate impeachment and the Senate the sole power to try and decide it. These are textual, exclusive powers, and the Judiciary’s role in such matters should be limited to clear, grave abuses that nullify constitutional norms.
Instead, the Court stepped into the heart of a political process already underway—substituting its own judgment for that of a constitutional majority of the House. It interpreted the one-year bar so broadly that it now disables the very mechanism of impeachment in all but the rarest cases.
This ruling, though perhaps well-intentioned, is a clear instance of judicial activism. It turns the Judiciary from a neutral guardian of the Constitution into an arbiter of congressional timing and internal processes—matters the Constitution never assigned to the courts.
Judicial activism, if unchecked, becomes judicial supremacy. And that supremacy can, over time, paralyze the political departments that the people themselves empowered.
⸻see comment for cont. 👇🏻
@kian_mari @PingpingTweets @chrgovph@ABSCBN@senatePH It is also tradition that the head of the department attends the budget hearings for their department. We can't be selective in invoking adherence to one tradition while completely ignoring the other.
LOOK: MMDA chair Atty. Don Artes and DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos lead the Pasig River Ferry tour, Friday.
The tour starts from Guadalupe Ferry Station in Makati to Escolta Ferry Station in Manila.
Pasig River Ferry Service ridership continues to increase, according to MMDA. From 58,000 in 2021, it rose to 170,000 in 2022 and 254,000 in 2023. | via @Jose_Carretero8
Leni Robredo urges audiences to see Pepe Diokno’s ‘GOMBURZA’
“Sad that GOMBURZA is not showing in any of the cinemas in Naga. Sana magkaroon. But will be watching this screening on Dec. 30 at the Ayala Malls Cinema Manila Bay. Already bought tickets. Come join us!!”
Full trailer for GOMBURZA
Thank you so much to everyone who has watched and shared our full trailer. For those who haven’t seen it yet, please check it out here!
I’d like to share a bit more with you about this trailer and the film… 🧵
#GomBurZaFilm#MMFF2023#MMFF
The recent incident in Bajo de Masinloc has had a significant impact on the ordinary Filipino fishermen who rely on this area for their livelihood. These fishermen, who waited for their fuel subsidies and food packs, have been greatly affected by the illegal and hostile actions of the People's Republic of China. It is crucial for all the Filipino people and our entire nation to strongly condemn such actions.
The 2016 Arbitral Award clearly established that Bajo de Masinloc is a high-tide feature within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Furthermore, it affirmed that Filipinos have traditional fishing rights in the waters of Bajo de Masinloc, which are protected by international law.
Whatever China is fighting for to illegally occupy these waters, the Filipinos need to fight for these waters because our life depends on it!
@macronikki Not the same since once is filled milk and one is full cream. But you can have the same condensed milk product carrying different brands as in the case of Nestle where they had Carnation condensed milk and Liberty condensed milk.
What we are missing about MSMEs, BPOs, and AI
In a recent discussion, Joey Concepcion, Chairperson of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council Philippines, raised concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the country's business process outsourcing (BPO) industry and emphasized the importance of upskilling Filipino workers. While his insights shed light on critical issues, there are some nuances and misinterpretations that need to be addressed.
AI as an Immediate Threat?
One potential misinterpretation of Concepcion's remarks is the idea that AI poses an immediate and direct threat to all jobs in the BPO industry. In reality, AI represents a transformative force that requires preparedness and adaptation rather than an immediate crisis. It's essential to recognize that AI can enhance BPO operations and create new opportunities alongside challenges.
Overemphasis on American Support
Concepcion's mention of collaboration with the United States might lead some to believe that the Philippines solely depends on American support for technological advancements. However, this overlooks the local efforts and partnerships with various countries to drive technological growth. While international collaboration is valuable, it's crucial to acknowledge the Philippines' self-reliance and its role as a global tech player.
Limited Focus on Other Industries
The article primarily discusses AI's impact on the BPO sector, potentially diverting attention from the broader AI-related challenges and opportunities across various industries in the Philippines. AI's reach extends beyond BPO, affecting sectors like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. Addressing these implications is equally important.
Exaggeration of Investment Pledges
Concepcion's mention of the $672 million in investment pledges from President Marcos' US trip might be misinterpreted as a panacea for the challenges posed by AI. It's essential to remember that AI adoption and adaptation require a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond financial investments. Economic growth depends on various factors, including education, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks.
MSME Challenges Underestimated
While Concepcion discussed the importance of supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the article might inadvertently downplay the complexity of the challenges they face. AI adoption and digitalization alone cannot fully address the multifaceted issues MSMEs encounter. A more holistic approach is needed, encompassing mentorship, access to capital, market opportunities, and tailored support.
In conclusion, while Joey Concepcion's insights into AI, BPOs, and MSMEs are valuable, it's crucial to avoid misinterpretations that might arise from the article. AI represents both challenges and opportunities that require nuanced and multifaceted solutions. Collaboration, adaptation, and a balanced perspective will be key in navigating the evolving landscape of AI in the Philippines.
Source:
https://t.co/XbpwWulTz2
Author:
Dominic Ligot is the CEO and CTO of CirroLytix, a social impact AI company aiming to train One Million Filipinos in AI. He is also the AI and Tech Advisor of the IT-BPM Association of the Philippines (IBPAP)
A Chinese coast guard vessel sprays water cannon in the direction of one of the Philippine supply boats close to the BRP Sierra Madre. Al Jazeera witnesses this from aboard a PH coast guard ship, close to the main lagoon of the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, where Manila grounded the old warship to stake is claim. But Beijing claims most of the South China Sea, including this area that is only 200 km from the Philippines’ Palawan province.