With the looming VP impeachment trial, citizens, netizens, young, and old are increasingly calling for it to continue to maintain the integrity of the democratic process in the Philippines. In recent months, many political events have raised public doubts about the fairness and independence of some government officials. Because of this, the impeachment trial is becoming more important as a way to show that the law applies to everyone, no matter how high a person’s position in government.
Impeachment is not a simple attack on a personality or a political party. It is a process stipulated in the 1987 Constitution to ensure that high-ranking officials of the country are held accountable for their actions. When there are serious allegations against an official, it is the duty of the Lower and Upper Chamber of Congress to hear them fairly and in accordance with the law.
In the case of Sara Duterte, it is important to have a clear and transparent process to answer the questions and doubts of the public.
The situation has become increasingly controversial due to reports and public observations about the apparent manipulation of some powerful political figures. We have been shocked Alan Peter Cayetano was installed as Senate President in the midst of the impeachment trial. For some, this shows the possibility that political influence is being used to control the direction of the trial. The apparent protection of allied personalities such as Bato dela Rosa has also become a center of discussion. In the view of several quarters, it is becoming clear that some senator-judges are partial instead of remaining neutral and loyal to their sworn duties. Such incidents reduce the public’s trust in government institutions, especially the Senate, which is expected to be a fair court in the impeachment trial.
The issue has become even more controversial when plans emerged to change Senate rules, including the possibility of online voting by senators without sufficient debate and consultation. That would favor the likes of Bato.
In a sensitive process like this, it is important to be open, careful, and democratic at every step so as not to lose the credibility of the Senate. Given these developments, people believe that the impeachment trial should be continued even further. If it is stopped or stalled amid controversies, the public may think that there are powerful people who can influence the law and the process of government.
The impeachment trial is an opportunity to show that checks and balances still work in the country and that no one is above the law.
Remember that an impeachment trial does not automatically mean that the accused is guilty. Rather, it is an opportunity to hear both sides and assess the evidence fairly. If the allegations are not sufficiently substantiated, they can be proven through due process. But if they are not even heard, public doubts and distrust will remain. Ultimately, what really matters is maintaining the integrity of democracy and the institutions of government. The Senate must remain independent and not succumb to the influence of politics or personal alliances.
Senators are expected to act not as allies of anyone but as defenders of the truth and the Constitution.
In sum, the impeachment trial of VP Duterte must proceed to maintain accountability, transparency, and the people’s trust in government. At a time when Filipinos doubt the fairness of some institutions, it is more important than ever that the law prevails over political influence.
The Supreme Court did not allow the trial last year due to technicalities, but it’s all systems go this mid-2026.
Need we state the obvious? Nandiyan na iyan, tuloy na iyan. We even saw Senator-Judge Robinhood wear the hood.
DC Alviar
Professor DC Alviar is a tenured associate professor at National University (NU) Manila and a steering committee member of the Philippine International Studies Organization (PHISO). He has contributed to NU's community extension initiatives that introduced the five disciplines of a learning organization (Senge, 1990) to communities within a local government unit. He writes and edits local reports for Mega Scene. He graduated with Master of Development Communication (MDC) and Doctor of Communication (DComm) degrees from the University of the Philippines (UP) Open University in Los Baños and was awarded with a Commission on Higher Education (CHED) SIKAP grant. He previously served as editor-in-chief of The Adamson News and his high school publication Ang Ugat.
- DC Alviar
- DC Alviar
- DC Alviar
- DC Alviar
