Biz group calls for 'peaceful and principled realignment' of Senate leadership

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) on Monday called on the Senate to consider a “peaceful and principled realignment” of its leadership to restore credibility, citing what it described as an “erosion of confidence.”

The business group said the Senate — which has convened as an impeachment court to try Vice President Sara Duterte — demands the highest degree of public trust and institutional credibility amid “public outrage over the erosion of confidence.

“In this context, we in the Management Association of the Philippines call on our senators to take every step necessary to restore the credibility of the Senate and strengthen public faith in the impeachment process,” the MAP said in a statement.

“We respectfully urge the consideration of a peaceful and principled realignment in Senate leadership that will place the proceedings on the firmest possible foundation of impartiality and fairness,” it added.

The Senate convened as an impeachment court for the trial of Duterte last Monday, May 18, 2026, over allegations of culpable violation of the 1987 Constitution, graft and corruption, and betrayal of public trust.

Its leadership changed on Monday, May 11, 2026, with Senator Alan Peter Cayetano taking over as Senate President—the same day the House of Representatives voted to impeach Duterte over allegations of graft and corruption and other high crimes.

To recall, Cayetano was the running mate of former President Rodrigo Duterte — who is now detained in the Hauge for crimes alleged against humanity due to his bloody war on illegal drugs — during the 2016 presidential elections.

The MAP statement also comes after several gunshots were reported at the Senate premises on the evening of May 13, prompting a lockdown after the articles of impeachment against Duterte were delivered to the chamber past 7:30 p.m.

READ: Senate shooting, lockdown: What went down

“A Senate leadership that is widely regarded as objective and above partisan interest will help safeguard not only the rights of the accused and the integrity of the House prosecutors, but also the legitimacy of the Senate as institution entrusted with constitutional responsibility,” the MAP said.

“At this critical moment, we urge our senators to remain steadfast in their fidelity to the Constitution, uphold the highest standards of institutional integrity, and demonstrate the credible and principled governance that the Filipino people deserve,” it added.

The MAP, along with other business and civic groups, on May 14 called on the Senate to fulfill their mandate with a fair, impartial, and transparent trial based on the evidence and the Constitution, warning that the rule of law should not give way to political interests.

The Makati Business Club (MBC) earlier on Monday also emphasized the need for an independent and credible Senate leadership. —RF, GMA News