The Supreme Court (SC) may likely ignore the motion filed by the group of Atty. Israelito Torreon concerning the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, according to a legal expert.
Background of the motion
Torreon's group earlier filed a manifestation seeking a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and a status quo ante order against the trial. The group also questioned the election of Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero as presiding officer, alleging violations of existing laws and rules.
Legal expert's analysis
University of the Philippines professor Atty. Michael Tiu Jr. noted that the SC has historically refrained from intervening in past impeachment trials. He explained that the new manifestation is essentially an extension of the group's earlier petition challenging the four impeachment complaints filed against VP Sara.
"Since the trial has already started, it is possible that the SC will not pay much attention to this motion and will simply allow the trial to proceed," Tiu said.
Implications of the ongoing trial
The lawyer believes that because the trial has begun and evidence has been presented, the SC is unlikely to revert the case to its previous state, contrary to the status quo ante order sought by the lawyers' group.
The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte continues as the SC weighs its options on the matter.
