Young Filipinos and the broader public were urged to closely follow the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte by studying the evidence, joining informed discussions, and helping ensure that the proceedings remain fair and grounded in accountability.
The call came as the Senate prepares to sit as an impeachment court, with the House prosecution panel continuing its preparations for the trial.
Duterte is facing Articles of Impeachment accusing her of culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, bribery, and other high crimes.
House trial spokesperson and Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Co said public vigilance would be crucial in pushing for a fair and principled process.
“Nasa sa taumbayan po ang sagot kung kaya nilang magkapag-exert ng political pressure para maging fair, patas ‘yung paglilitis,” the young lawmaker noted.
The impeachment process, she said, should not be treated as a partisan exercise but as a civic responsibility involving public trust, government accountability, and national leadership.
Citizens were encouraged to go beyond passive observation by monitoring the trial, engaging in discussions online and in their communities, and voicing their views on the need for transparency and accountability.
“Sa mga Pilipino na nakikinig, pwede tayong hindi lang tagapagmasid pero active participants sa pag-voice out sa social media or even on ground ng saloobin natin,” she said.
The public was also urged to resist personality-based politics and focus instead on the facts presented before the impeachment court.
She explained that the Senate’s judgment must be based on evidence and principle, not political loyalty or future electoral calculations.
“Dapat po ebidensya. Hindi loyalty to one personality, hindi dapat 2028 prospects, pero ebidensya at syempre prinsipyo,” she said.
She also appealed to senators and citizens to carefully examine the evidence as the proceedings unfold.
“Panawagan po ito sa lahat ng senators, panawagan po ito sa lahat ng mamamayan: basahin natin, i-engage natin ang ebidensya at gamitin natin ito sa pagmamatyag mismo kung anong dapat tatahakin nating landas para ma-ensure na accountability is always present,” Co said.
The appeal underscored the role of public participation in preserving the integrity of the impeachment process and ensuring that accountability remains at the center of the proceedings.