The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte has become a defining moment for democracy, but what happened in the Senate on June 10 suggests an alarming trend of institutional failure that demands our frustration to achieve accountability over the taxes we pay.
As a college student, the Senate's return of the impeachment articles to the House signifies a betrayal of democratic values, leaving me frustrated for accountability. Unlike the transparent voting in Bahay ni Kuya, the impeachment trial has turned citizens into mere observers. The House and Senate are playing a tactical game, jeopardizing democracy's foundations instead of fostering genuine cooperation and authenticity. Their actions reflect a significant failure in governance that impacts all of us.
The return of impeachment articles
The Senate's 18-5 vote to remand the impeachment complaint against Vice President Duterte back to the House of Representatives marks an unprecedented departure from constitutional mandate. This decision, deceptively framed as seeking "clarification" on procedural matters, fundamentally misunderstands—or deliberately ignores—the Senate's role as an impeachment court
Constitutional law expert Howard Calleja criticized the move as a breach of constitutional duty, stating, "Ang nakakatawa dito, sabi nga ng marami, senator judges sila [pero naging lawyer sila ni] Sara, silang 18," he emphasized in an interview with INQUIRER.NET.
Constitutional framer Christian Monsod denounced the Senate's actions as legally indefensible, questioning what authority senators had to halt proceedings when no injunction had been issued by the Supreme Court.
"They're fooling themselves, and they're doing this for what reason? They're acting like they are the lawyers for the vice president," he stated in an interview with INQUIRER.NET. The remand decision represents what legal experts describe as a "deliberate delaying tactic" that has "delayed, diluted, and disrespected" the impeachment process.
From judges to defenders
The Senate has shifted from an impartial tribunal to a defensive advocate, corrupting the impeachment process and challenging our understanding of institutions. Atty. Lorna Kapunan described the Senate's actions as "whimsical, despotic, arbitrary," lacking constitutional support and adherence to their own rules, as noted in her interview with journalist Christian Esguerra.
Senators have abandoned their roles as neutral arbiters, evident in procedural irregularities like Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa's motion to dismiss the impeachment complaint prematurely, indicating bias. Constitutional framer Monsod suggested both Senator Bato and Senator Tolentino should consider recusal, emphasizing that "the source of legitimacy is independence."
Why are we tolerating this blatant manipulation? Why are we allowing senators to play defense attorney for someone accused of high crimes against the Filipino people?
The Prosecution's silenced voice
The Senate's premature return of the impeachment articles fundamentally violates due process—not just for the accused, but for the prosecution representing us—the Filipino people. Atty. Kapunan emphasized this often-overlooked aspect.
"The Senate is very concerned about due process of the accused, but there is also due process of the prosecution. The prosecution was not given any chance to speak on the issue," she added.
The impeachment complaint, endorsed by 215 House lawmakers, represents the collective will of OUR representatives—the people WE elected to speak for us. These articles of impeachment were "certified by more than two-thirds of the House," leading Atty. Kapunan asked with obvious frustration, "Why is there still a need to remand?"
The decision effectively silences the prosecution before they can present their case, creating a dangerous precedent where accusations of high crimes can be dismissed through procedural manipulation rather than substantive examination.
Demanding democratic accountability
The Senate's stalling of impeachment proceedings raises serious concerns for young Filipinos who have actively engaged in political discourse, particularly during the 2025 midterm elections. This engagement has been characterized by a demand for transparency and accountability from elected officials. The Senate’s reluctance to proceed reflects poorly on its role in upholding justice within our democratic system.
Calls from various colleges and universities, including De La Salle Philippines, urge the Senate to adhere to constitutional processes in the impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte, highlighting the need for truth and accountability. Young Filipinos expect better from government institutions meant to maintain the rule of law, and when the Senate opts for procedural delays, it undermines the notion that no one is above the law.
The return of the articles of impeachment to the House creates confusion and frustration among citizens who crave justice. Unlike the decisive audience in Pinoy Big Brother (PBB), we fear our voices will go unheard in this political landscape, where corrupt individuals seem to prevail. Our message to the Senate is clear: fulfill your duty, advance the impeachment trial, and honor the accountability that we, as voters, demand.
To the 18 senators who voted to bring back the articles of impeachment, you have FAILED us, and we refuse to remain trapped in cycles of impunity that have kept us in the shadows for far too long.
