THE Senate has reiterated its readiness to fulfill its constitutional duty as an impeachment court should the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte be transmitted by the House of Representatives.

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero clarified that while discussions on the matter remain hypothetical, the Senate is fully prepared to manage the process despite tight legislative schedules and political activity, including the Iglesia ni Cristo’s (INC) planned nationwide rally in support of President Ferdinand Marcos jr., stand on the potential impeachment trial.

“Maliwanag ang mensaheng INC, na sila ay sumusuporta sa Pangulong Marcos Jr., na ayaw na sanang patulan ang impeachment” Escudero said during the Kapihan sa Senado press conference.

Escudero emphasized the Senate’s role as dictated by the Constitution, stressing that ongoing discussions focus on procedural matters and are not reflective of any political stance.

“Ang Senado ay handang gampanan ang aming tungkulin alinsunod sa Saligang Batas. Ang mga talakayan ay informasyonal lamang at hindi dapat ituring na pagsuporta o pagtutol sa reklamo,” he explained.

Once the articles of impeachment are transmitted, the Senate will convene as an impeachment court, with senators taking their oaths as impartial judges.

“Kapag na-transmit na sa amin ang articles of impeachment, magsisimula ang aming trabaho bilang impeachment court. Titiyakin naming patas at naaayon sa batas ang proseso,” Escudero assured.

Acknowledging concerns about the tight legislative schedule, particularly with the election campaign break in February, Escudero affirmed the Senate’s commitment to its responsibilities as he further explained that they are mandated to fulfill the role of senator judge in the impeachment.

“Bagamat mahigpit ang aming iskedyul dahil sa paparating na panahon ng kampanya, handa pa rin ang Senado na gawin ang aming tungkulin. Hindi namin maaaring talikuran ang aming responsibilidad,” he stated.

The Senate will deliberate on trial schedules, potentially holding sessions during breaks to ensure the trial proceeds efficiently. “Posible kaming magdaos ng mga sesyon kahit sa panahon ng pahinga, depende sa mga patakarang pagtitibayin. Ang mahalaga ay maisakatuparan ang aming mandato nang walang abala,” Escudero added.

Escudero stressed the Senate’s commitment to neutrality and fairness. “Nakasaad sa aming mga patakaran ang pagiging neutral sa pulitika. Ang bawat miyembro ng Senado ay kailangang magtrabaho nang walang kinikilingan, at ito ang aming giya sa proseso ng impeachment,” he explained.

He also underscored the importance of transparency, noting that public trust is paramount. “Ang aming trabaho ay nakasentro sa pagpapakita ng isang bukas at patas na paglilitis. Sisiguraduhin naming mananatili ang tiwala ng publiko sa buong proseso,” Escudero said.

The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), a religious organization known for its bloc voting, has announced plans to mobilize a nationwide rally opposing the impeachment proceedings. The INC expressed its support for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s stance against the impeachment efforts, with a spokesperson stating,

“The Iglesia ni Cristo supports President Bongbong Marcos’s opinion against the impeachment pushed by certain sectors. The Iglesia ni Cristo is for peace; we do not want any form of unrest coming from any side.”

Preparations for the rally are reportedly underway, with INC framing its opposition to the impeachment as a call for peace and stability. The religious group previously endorsed the Marcos-Duterte tandem in the 2022 elections, demonstrating a history of political alignment with the administration.

Vice President Duterte faces two impeachment complaints citing alleged misuse of confidential funds. The first complaint was filed by civil society groups, while the second came from lawmakers in the Makabayan bloc, accusing Duterte of betrayal of public trust.

Despite the planned rally, Escudero has not commented on the INC’s actions, maintaining the Senate’s impartiality in handling the impeachment process.

He emphasized the need to separate external activities from the Senate’s constitutional role. “Ang aming tungkulin ay tiyaking patas at naaayon sa ebidensya ang proseso. Hindi dapat maimpluwensiyahan ng mga aktibidad sa labas ng Senado,” he stated.

Escudero has advised his colleagues to refrain from making statements that could compromise the Senate’s neutrality.

The Senate awaits the formal transmittal of the articles of impeachment from the House of Representatives. Once received, senators will deliberate on procedural rules, evidence presentation, and scheduling to ensure a fair and efficient process.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Camille P. Balagtas