Senate urged to convene for Duterte's impeachment trial

Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito insists that Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial should proceed as a constitutional duty of the Senate, despite draft dismissal resolutions initiated by Senator Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa and others.

Ejercito emphasized that pushing for the trial is not about wanting a conviction but rather fulfilling the Constitution's mandate, while Senator Risa Hontiveros warned that failing to convene as an impeachment court would lead to a constitutional crisis.

Senator Imee Marcos remains unconvinced of the case's validity and timing, suggesting it was delayed by the House of Representatives until February 2025, despite complaints filed in December 2024.

Several groups plan mass actions from June 9 to 11 urging senators to convene for Duterte’s impeachment trial, with about 3,000 individuals expected to participate in a march organized by Akbayan Party-list and Tindig Pilipinas.

Numerous academic institutions and rights groups have issued statements calling on the Senate to start the impeachment trial immediately, stressing that public officials must be held accountable regardless of their popularity or influence.