One reaction might be consoling if it did not come from the Speaker of the House. He says its members will review the declaration, but does not have to say – for it goes without saying – that it will be found, in the House’s sycophantic phraseology, “perfect in form and substance.” The Senate is just as useless as a counterweight; at least its majority, just as overwhelmingly for Duterte as in the House, has so far preferred to be prudently quiet.