A day before celebrating Filipino independence, the world saw how the Philippine Senate maneuvered the Constitutional mandate for the impeachment court to try impeached Vice President Sara Duterte forthwith in a twisted manner to return the Articles of Impeachment to the House of Representatives. This is proof that the people are trapped under traitorous leaders.

This is despite the growing calls from various sectors, especially academic institutions, business, and respected individuals in politics, law, international relations, and economics. The mandate of the Constitution is very clear, and experts are making it even clearer, but it is being obscured by the statements and actions of the Senate to delay the trial of impeached VP Sara. Let us spend 11 days taking a look at this:

“…trial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed.” (Sec. 3, par. 4, Art. XI, 1987 Constitution)

The Senate leadership, who were recently sworn in to serve on the Impeachment Court as senator judges, continues to turn a deaf ear, ignoring the fact that it is also time to use Gen Z and Millennial voters as influencers for the inactive elderly. Because they are doing nothing—we do not generalize, though—the elderly are becoming a burden. Unlike ex-chief justice Reynato Puno of the Philippine Constitution Association (PHILCONSA), his fellow Constitution framers Adolfo Azcuna, Christian Monsod, and Rene Sarmiento who tirelessly defend the 1987 charter, including those who are respected as sharp legal minds from leading higher education institutions and law firms.

This is a strange captivity of the people: there are those outside the government who clarify, but there are those who blatantly obscure the mandate of the Constitution from the Senate.

While we have beacons of clarity, we grapple with impeachment trial presiding officer Chiz Escudero who has lost control of the driver seat as punk, fashionista leadership matters to him more. His colleagues thoughtlessly follow him, minus senator-judges Koko Pimentel and Risa Hontiveros (or two more?)

Condemned by history

The Senate and leaders who are diluting the impeachment proceedings and other major issues of the country are condemned by history. They are not only diluting the process of justice but also the spirit of freedom, which should be based more on the rights of the people and not on the personal or political interests of the powers that be. Instead of assessing, they assassinate people in a terrible situation. Pagtatakip, hindi pagsisiwalat.

Pagsisiwalat (more of disclosure) is more important, while pagtatakip (cover-ups) worsen the country’s political and economic situation. Take the case of Senator Bong Go, who said that we cannot eat the impeachment trial.

Where are the judicial and moral philosophies in that?

That only means Senator-Judge Go can eat even without the functioning of justice and other important intangibles to the pagkabansa (nationhood) of the Philippines and the pagkamamamayan (citizenship) of many Filipinos here and abroad.

Despite the efforts of those in power to hide or cover up the truth, transparency and disclosure of issues and courses of action become a strong weapon for citizens to fight against wrong systems and practices. Attempts to cover them up relative to the country’s political and economic situation are not new in our history. Therefore, whenever there is an opportunity to open issues, like the impeachment trial, it is key, because it is an opportunity to shed light on what most people cannot see.

If elected leaders like senators continue to trample on the mandates of the Constitution, there will certainly be doubts about the integrity of the institutions. The simple statements of elders like Puno and other Constitution framers and law deans, and professors seem to be ignored by senator-judges, so they become part of the cover-up on crucial issues. Our legal and justice system may lose credibility, and the youth and citizens will increasingly join in the calls for meaningful change.

Strengthening the system

We have to try and try. How to succeed in our sincerest march to freedom:

First off, Gen Z and Millennial voters have the potential to be powerful agents of change. Through social media, they are able to express their opinions more quickly and see issues that affect the entire country. If used correctly, they can shed light and strengthen calls for transparency, accountability, and justice. If young voters and experts in the fields of law and education work together, we can have a huge impact on our system.

Secondly, helping seniors by elevating the discourse: Not all seniors are apathetic, but many of them continue to struggle to adhere to new rules or steps in the development of democracy. Gen Z and Millennial voters, therefore, have a large and important role to play in working together, not only to push for changes, but to explain and guide the older generation to the right perspective and steps that need to be taken.

Thirdly, returning to the constitutional principles: Sharp legal minds like Puno, Azcuna, Monsod, and Sarmiento, as well as law deans and professors are championing the defense of the Constitution. If young voters and defenders of the Constitution work together, they can strengthen trust in our system and give strength to programs, projects, and policies that benefit the majority, especially freeing the people from poverty. Ultimately, the goal is for the law and citizens to come together to take concrete steps for that meaningful change.

Independence Day is more than a celebration. It is a reminder of our duty as citizens: to continue to watch and be vigilant, as was the case with the impeached VP Sara, to ask questions, and to promote justice and freedom, not only in the laws but also in our views and way of life.