A senior lawmaker on Tuesday welcomed the Senate’s formal convening as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, describing it as an important step toward a credible and orderly constitutional process.
She said the Senate’s move signals that the impeachment proceedings are now advancing through the proper legal and institutional channels.
“The Senate’s convening is a promising opening salvo. It tells the public that the constitutional process is moving, and that both sides will now have the proper forum to be heard,” according to Deputy Speaker Janette Garin.
The Iloilo lawmaker also pointed to the Senate’s initial timetable as proof that due process is being observed, noting that Duterte was given a non-extendible 10-day period to respond to the impeachment complaint, while the House prosecution panel was allotted five days to file its reply.
“Magandang simula na malinaw ang timetable. May panahon ang Bise Presidente na sumagot, may panahon ang prosecution na tumugon, at may pagkakataon ang taumbayan na makita ang proseso,” Garin said.
She stressed that the proceedings should remain focused on facts and evidence rather than political maneuvering or public spectacle.
“We respect the Senate as a coequal chamber and as the impeachment court. Our hope is simple: let the case move forward, let the evidence be tested, and let the process remain fair and free from any tinge of political maneuvering,” she added.
The House of Representatives earlier approved four Articles of Impeachment against Duterte involving allegations of misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, graft and corruption, bribery, and threats against senior government officials.
According to Garin, the seriousness of the accusations requires a full and impartial trial instead of political distractions.
“Hindi ito panahon para sa paligsahan ng ingay. Panahon ito para sa maayos na paglilitis, malinaw na ebidensiya, at patas na pagtingin sa magkabilang panig,” she said.
The deputy speaker added that the impeachment trial now provides the formal venue long sought by Duterte’s camp to answer the allegations against her.
Garin said the country stands to benefit if accountability mechanisms are carried out calmly, lawfully, and transparently.
“The people deserve answers, the respondent deserves due process, and our institutions deserve the opportunity to prove that accountability still works,” she said.