The Senate chose to protect the powerful instead of the people by its decision to remand the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives. We are deeply alarmed and collectively outraged by this move that has effectively paralyzed the impeachment process, subverted constitutional accountability, and insulted the sovereign will of the Filipino people.
The 18-5 decision showed that the majority of Senators chose to ignore the public clamor of Filipinos demanding this trial and the solid evidence of corruption in OVP/DepEd funds.
This move is not just a procedural detour—it is a deliberate act of political sabotage. The Senate, particularly Senate President Chiz Escudero in his role as the presiding officer, has chosen to abandon its constitutional duty to act as the impeachment court. In doing so, the Senate has sided with power and impunity rather than with truth and justice. This is an outright betrayal of the principles of rights-based governance and accountability enshrined in our laws and demanded by our people.
Vice President Sara Duterte has not only refused to address the serious allegations of corruption surrounding her use of confidential funds in both the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education, but she has also stonewalled public scrutiny, evaded institutional mechanisms of accountability, and shielded herself behind political alliances. The Senate's refusal to proceed with the trial reinforces this culture of impunity and dangerously signals that no official. especially powerful ones, can ever be held accountable.
The Senate’s vote last night is more than a failure of leadership—it reflects the deepening erosion of democracy and the resurgence of impunity reminiscent of the darkest periods of our recent history. It mirrors the same terror and unaccountability that defined the Duterte presidency—one that may be resurrected in full force by 2028.
Let it be clear: this is not just about Sara Duterte.
This is about the systematic weakening of institutions, the normalization of corruption, and the growing disregard for human rights and democratic governance. If the Senate refuses to uphold its mandate, then the people must assert their role as the highest sovereign power in the land.
As a broad human rights movement, we raise our collective voice to assert that no one is above the law. We call on all Filipinos, civil society organizations, faith-based communities, people’s organizations, and every advocate for justice and democracy to remain vigilant and mobilized.
We demand:
That the 19th Congress, particularly the Senate fulfill its constitutional duty to conduct a fair and public impeachment trial.
That Senate President Escudero be held accountable for his role in obstructing the process.
That Sara Duterte face the allegations against her with transparency and honesty.
That all public officials respect and uphold the people's right to truth, justice, and accountability.
There can be no justice without accountability and no democracy without the people.
Ipagpatuloy ang laban para sa karapatan, katotohanan, at pananagutan!
Panagutin si Senator Chiz Escudero!
Ipailalim si Sara Duterte sa paglilitis!
Tindigan ang Konstitusyon-Ipagtanggol ang Karapatang Pantao!
Tanggihan ang pagbabalik ng takot, pandarambong, at pamumunong walang pananagutan sa 2028!