Law experts urge Senate to push VP Duterte's impeachment trial

Law professors and political scientists across the Philippines, including deans from five Ateneo schools and members of Adamson University, are urging the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Faculty members from at least nine academic institutions, such as Ateneo de Manila University's School of Government (ASoG) and San Beda University Graduate School of Law, have joined calls for accountability alongside over 100 UP College of Law faculty members and student councils from various universities.

The Philippine Political Science Association (PPSA) Board of Trustees emphasized that no public official is above scrutiny in a functioning democracy as the House impeached Duterte on February 5 for 'high crimes' including corruption and an alleged assassination plot against President Marcos Jr.

Deans from Ateneo schools stated that accountability cannot be overridden by political maneuvering or technicalities, while Adamson University expressed deep concern over delaying efforts and called for principled leadership.

With the 19th Congress set to end on June 30, concerns remain about whether the trial will proceed before then, despite Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero's statement that it would be decided by plenary.