Manila: House leaders on Thursday said they fully respect the Supreme Court (SC) in its ruling on the motion for reconsideration filed by the House of Representatives last year. In a decision dated Jan. 28, the SC affirmed its earlier ruling that the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte as unconstitutional.

According to Philippines News Agency, Speaker Faustino Bojie Dy III expressed the House of Representatives' acknowledgment of the Supreme Court's decision. He emphasized that impeachment is a process clearly mandated by the Constitution with specific guidelines, and stressed the importance of handling the impeachment process with caution, as it is a responsibility linked to the mandate entrusted by the Filipino people.

Senior Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez of South Cotabato also issued a statement, noting that the House respects the Supreme Court's decision. He highlighted the House's commitment to the rule of law, the separation of powers, and the orderly functioning of democratic institutions, emphasizing that the House is guided by its constitutional mandate.

Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima of the Mamamayang Liberal Party-list remarked on the SC's ruling, pointing out that it was based on technicality. She stated that the ruling could be used in future filings but noted that no name has been cleared as a result of the decision.