Reconciliation or VP Impeachment? Philippine Senate Faces Tough Choice

A high-stakes constitutional clash is unfolding in the Philippine Senate, where calls for national reconciliation between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and the Duterte family are at odds with the impending impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. As the Senate balances its constitutional mandate with the president’s push for unity, the nation braces for a political showdown that could reshape its future.

MANILA, Philippines – A constitutional clash is brewing in the Philippine Senate as calls for national reconciliation between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and the Duterte family collide with the pending impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. While President Marcos has expressed openness to reconciliation, Senate leaders are grappling with their constitutional duty to proceed with the impeachment proceedings.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada acknowledged the tension, stating that while he personally opposes the trial due to its divisive potential, the Senate’s constitutional mandate leaves them little choice but to act on the Articles of Impeachment transmitted by the House of Representatives before Congress’ February 5th recess. “The Filipino people deserve nothing less than a Senate that upholds integrity, objectivity, and respect for due process,” Estrada emphasized.

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Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero outlined the procedural steps, highlighting the need for the Senate plenary to formally take cognizance of the Articles of Impeachment before convening an impeachment court. He anticipates the trial could commence as early as July 30th.

Estrada lauded President Marcos’s pursuit of reconciliation with the Dutertes, viewing it as a positive step towards national healing. However, Senator JV Ejercito expressed reservations, suggesting that the deep-seated political rifts might hinder such efforts. “We’ve been saying this too, ever since, that early political bickering and rifts have done nothing but hold us back,” Ejercito stated, emphasizing the need to prioritize pressing national challenges.

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, a known ally of Vice President Duterte, offered a different perspective. While preparing to serve as a senator-judge in the impeachment trial, he voiced his preference for the Senate to focus on national development rather than the divisive impeachment proceedings. “It will be better [if it does not push through anymore] so we can focus on the development efforts for our country and we stop being divided already,” Dela Rosa stated.

The situation highlights a critical juncture in Philippine politics. The desire for national unity and reconciliation is pitted against the Senate’s constitutional obligation to address the impeachment complaint. The coming months will be crucial in determining how this conflict will be resolved and what impact it will have on the nation’s political landscape.

De Lima Slams Duterte’s “Bloodbath” Impeachment Wish

Manila, Philippines – Former Senator Leila de Lima on Sunday condemned Vice President Sara Duterte’s statement expressing a desire for a “bloodbath” during her upcoming impeachment trial. De Lima, who has been invited to join the panel of prosecutors, sharply criticized Duterte’s remarks, highlighting the gravity and solemnity of the impeachment process.

Duterte, in a Saturday interview in Davao City, revealed her legal team’s intense preparations, despite her stated reluctance for the Senate trial to proceed. “But I told them that I truly want a trial because I want a bloodbath,” she declared.

De Lima swiftly responded via social media, refuting Duterte’s inflammatory language. “In an impeachment trial, the only one who is on trial is the person impeached. So there can be no bloodbath,” she stated emphatically. De Lima underscored that any potential negative consequences would fall solely on the impeached individual, not on the prosecution team, the senators acting as judges, the administration, or the public. “We will make sure of that,” she asserted.

The former senator extended an invitation to Duterte to observe the trial, emphasizing its seriousness and commitment to due process. De Lima contrasted Duterte’s desired “drama and chaos” with the trial’s intended function as a serious and fair proceeding, respecting all involved parties’ rights.

De Lima stressed the constitutional significance of the impeachment trial, emphasizing its role in accountability and rejecting any attempts to turn it into a spectacle of power or intimidation. She further clarified that the process is not a platform for brute force or theatrics, but a sacrosanct constitutional mechanism for holding public officials accountable. The former senator’s statement serves as a strong rebuke to Duterte’s provocative comments and underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the impeachment process.

Senate Unveils Impeachment Trial Robes: A Symbol of Impartial Justice

Manila, Philippines – In a symbolic gesture underscoring the gravity of the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Thursday unveiled the official robes to be worn by senators during the proceedings. The striking Oxford crimson garments will mark the senators’ transition from their legislative roles to their function as impartial judges in the pursuit of truth and justice.

The unveiling of the robes, held during a press briefing, served as a visual reminder of the momentous occasion and the weighty responsibility facing the Senate. Escudero confirmed that the Senate, once convened as an impeachment court, will delve into the Rules of Procedure upon the resumption of sessions in June.

This meticulous preparation continues amidst the possibility of a Supreme Court ruling that could potentially halt the proceedings. Escudero emphasized the Senate’s commitment to preparedness, regardless of any potential legal challenges.

The choice of Oxford crimson is far from arbitrary. The deep, rich color carries a weighty symbolism, representing the senators’ transformation from elected representatives to impartial magistrates. The robes themselves serve as a powerful visual metaphor, embodying the principles of fairness, objectivity, and the unwavering pursuit of justice that will be central to the trial. The image of senators draped in these crimson robes will undoubtedly be a lasting visual representation of this pivotal moment in Philippine history. The robes stand as a silent yet potent declaration of the Senate’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the impeachment process and ensuring a just and equitable outcome.