SENATE President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Tuesday urged his fellow senators to refrain from making public comments following the filing of an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte at the House of Representatives.
In a statement, Escudero emphasized that the impeachment process is a constitutional mechanism designed to ensure accountability among the nation’s highest public officials.
“The filing and endorsement of an impeachment complaint in the House against Vice President Duterte marks the beginning of a process enshrined in our Constitution to uphold accountability,” Escudero stated.
“In light of this development, I reiterate my call to my colleagues in the Senate to refrain from making public comments or statements regarding the allegations in the articles of impeachment. Should the Senate be called upon to act as an impeachment court, any perception of bias or pre-judgment would undermine not only the integrity of the impeachment trial but also the public’s trust in the Senate as an institution,” he added.
The impeachment complaint, filed Monday afternoon by advocacy groups and endorsed by Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña, accuses Duterte of culpable violations of the Constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes. Vice President Duterte has yet to officially respond to these allegations.
Escudero stressed that the Senate must remain focused on its legislative duties and approach the impeachment process with impartiality.
“While impeachment is often described as a political exercise, it is crucial that members of the Senate approach it with the impartiality and objectivity demanded of us. We must remain steadfast in upholding justice and fairness, ensuring that every step of the process adheres to the Rule of Law,” Escudero said.
He assured the public that the Senate is prepared to fulfill its constitutional mandate with integrity and impartiality while prioritizing the national interest.
“As we navigate this critical juncture in our history, let us remain resolute in our commitment to justice, unity, and the welfare of the Filipino people,” Escudero added.
The impeachment complaint comes just a week after Vice President Duterte made controversial remarks suggesting she might contract someone to kill President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez if an alleged plot against her were to succeed. Duterte later clarified that her statement was not a threat but an attempt to highlight security concerns, claiming it was “taken out of logical context.”
Authorities have nonetheless viewed her comments as a potential national security threat. Meanwhile, President Marcos has expressed opposition to the impeachment effort, stating that it would not benefit Filipinos. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin also clarified that the Office of the President is not involved in the impeachment moves.
Escudero concluded by urging his colleagues in the Senate to uphold their constitutional duties with fairness and integrity, ensuring the process reflects the principles of democracy and accountability.