MANILA, Philippines — The Senate has been urged to immediately convene as an impeachment court on Monday to begin proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, following calls from lawmakers to expedite the constitutional process and restore public confidence after what was described as a “week of chaos” in the upper chamber.
Akbayan Party-list Representative Percival Cendaña called on the Senate to formally sit as an impeachment court without delay, stressing that the chamber must perform its constitutional duty to hear and try the case. In a statement released Sunday, Cendaña also urged the public to closely monitor the proceedings and pressed senators to avoid any moves that could further postpone the trial.
“Now that the institution’s reputation is under strain, the Senate, all the more, must carry out its constitutional mandate to try the case against the vice president,” Cendaña said in Filipino, adding that the chamber must “make amends to the people” by acting on the impeachment complaint promptly.
The push comes after reported leadership changes in the Senate last week, which occurred on the eve of the House of Representatives’ move to transmit the impeachment charges to the upper chamber. The Senate majority is now largely composed of allies of the Duterte political bloc, raising public scrutiny over how the trial will proceed.
Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano previously assured that the chamber would not delay the impeachment trial, stating that the new leadership “has no reason” to postpone hearings and would “forthwith” convene as an impeachment court in accordance with its constitutional mandate.
Under the Philippine Constitution, the Senate serves as the impeachment court for cases involving impeachable officials, including the Vice President. Once convened, senators are sworn in as judges, and the chamber is tasked with determining whether to convict or acquit based on the evidence presented.
Written by Arriane Mae Janson
Arriane Mae Janson is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
