Press Release
March 7, 2018

Transcript of Interview of Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon

SFMD: The possibility of the impeachment not going through is there. Why? The statement of the leaders of the House of Representatives is that they will wait for the Supreme Court resolution (on the quo warranto). If the Supreme Court, with its own wise judgment, says we have jurisdiction over the quo warranto and we believe that there is a basis to let the Chief Justice go, so the House of Representatives will not send us the articles of impeachment, so what will we do?

Q: It's possible?

SFMD: It's possible. It depends on the Supreme Court. When we were law students we were always thought that the Constitution and the law is what the Supreme Court says it is.

Q: But Justice Leonen said dapat outright dismissal ang gawin?

SFMD: Yes, but the Supreme Court is a collegial body. Siya lang mag-isa. If he can get the majority of the court with him, then that opinion prevails. But if the majority thinks otherwise, then there is no impeachment court we'll talk about and there is no opportunity to wear the (impeachment) robe.

Q: (inaudible)

SFMD: That is why the House leaders want to wait.

Q: Plan B na talaga iyon?

SFMD: I just comment on the basis of what I see. I don't comment on the motives.

Q: So premature na yung preparation?

SFMD: The robe might be premature (laughs).

Q: That's why the House won't act on it?

SFMD: Yes, they will wait. Their action will be governed by what the Supreme Court does. If the Supreme Court says that the quo warranto is not the correct remedy, then they may or may not send to us the articles of impeachment, if there is probable cause. If the Supreme Court says they have jurisdiction and will decide on the merits, and says that the Chief Justice is not eligible or did not have the qualification, even if you don't agree with that, that is what will be recognized as the state of things, and therefore the House of Representatives will not send the articles of impeachment and that's the end of it.

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