Bagong Alyansang Makabayan led a protest rally at the Senate on Tuesday afternoon, saying the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte must be immediately conducted.
As the Senate announced that the second day of the 20th Congress would be partly spent to decide on whether the trial would be go on after the Supreme Court (SC) rejected the House of Representatives Articles of Impeachment “unconstitutional,” Bayan said the impeachment court should not dismiss the case and allow the presentation of evidence.
“It would be absurd and hypocritical for them to acknowledge President Bongbong Marcos’ SONA (State of the Nation Address) statement against corruption while conspiring to dismiss the impeachment trial of Duterte,” the national democratic alliance said.
The Senate meanwhile announced it will decide on its August 6 session how to respond to the SC decision.
WATCH: Senate Plenary Session No. 2 (July 29, 2025)
Bayan said the anti-corruption stance of Marcos, the Senate, and other legislators would be further exposed as a sham if Duterte’s impeachment is shelved.
“It will send a message that elected officials can steal with impunity and simply invoke the new rules laid down by the Supreme Court ruling to evade accountability,” the group said.
The protesters also said the people are outraged that those in power like Duterte can abuse their position to misuse funds and plunder the nation’s wealth without being held accountable.
The Senate will face intense backlash if they would maneuver to derail Duterte’s impeachment, they added.
“We enjoin fellow Filipinos to remain vigilant and continue to speak out against this grand conspiracy to allow Duterte to remain unounished for her grave crimes against the Filipino people,” Bayan said.
“Let us condemn this bankrupt system which shields the rich and powerful and undermines all efforts of the people seeking truth, justice, and accountability, it added. # (Raymund B. Villanueva)
