UP, Ateneo, La Salle law faculties urge Senate to start VP Duterte impeachment trial

Ninety-seven members of the University of the Philippines College of Law Faculty, along with faculty from De La Salle University (DLSU), Ateneo School of Government (ASoG), and other Ateneo schools, urged the Senate to commence the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

The deans of law colleges from Ateneo de Manila University, Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan, Ateneo de Davao University, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, and Ateneo de Naga University joined the call for the Senate to immediately hold the trial.

The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on February 5 for "high crimes," including corruption and an alleged assassination plot against her former ally and running mate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Adolf Azcuna stated that Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero needs to have the Articles of Impeachment read to prompt the Senate's jurisdiction over the case.

He emphasized that the Senate of the 20th Congress can continue the trial, and dismissing the case without trial would be a grave violation of the Constitution.

Ateneo schools stated that accountability cannot be overridden by technicalities or political maneuverings, joining voices from the academe, some senators, civil society groups, and political analysts urging the Senate to "forthwith proceed" with the trial.

The pressure came after months of delay and after a draft resolution dismissing the impeachment case, initiated by Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, circulated on social media.