Senator-judges urged to uphold independence, integrity in Sara Duterte impeachment trial

A church labor group on Monday urged senator-judges to discharge their constitutional duty with independence, integrity, and courage as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte gets underway.

In a statement, Church People-Workers Solidarity (CWS) reminded the senator-judges that their mandate comes from the Filipino people, particularly the poor.

“Let conscience—not political loyalty, personal ambition, or partisan interest—guide every decision. Remember that your mandate comes from the Filipino people, especially the poor whose voices are too often ignored,” said San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, CWS chairperson.

CWS issued the statement as it expressed support for the impeachment proceedings against Duterte.

“We affirm that impeachment is a constitutional process designed to uphold public accountability. It must neither be reduced to political theater nor manipulated for partisan advantage. It is a solemn opportunity for the truth to come to light and for justice to prevail,” Alminaza said.

He said alleged corruption ultimately deprives ordinary Filipinos of essential services and opportunities.

“Every peso stolen from the public treasury is a peso stolen from workers struggling on inadequate wages, from farmers seeking support, from fisherfolk protecting their livelihoods, from children deprived of quality education, from patients waiting for medicines, and from communities longing for decent public services,” he added.

The group also called on Filipinos to remain "vigilant, informed, prayerful, and engaged" throughout Duterte's impeachment trial.

“Democracy cannot survive without citizens who insist on truth, transparency, and accountability,” Alminaza said.

“Those entrusted with authority are called to serve, not to enrich themselves at the expense of the people,” he added.

The Senate opened the Vice President's impeachment trial on Monday, marking the start of proceedings that could determine whether Duterte remains in office.

House prosecutors are expected to formally present the Articles of Impeachment, while Duterte's legal team is expected to enter its appearance before the impeachment court.

The senator-judges are also expected to adopt the rules and timetable for the trial, including deadlines for pleadings and the presentation of evidence.

According to Duterte's legal counsel, Atty. Michael Poa, the Vice President will not personally appear during Monday's proceedings.

The House of Representatives impeached Duterte in May over allegations of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes.

On June 1, Duterte's camp filed its answer to the Articles of Impeachment and asked the impeachment court to dismiss the case.—MCG, GMA News