By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Calls are intensifying for the Senate to immediately transform itself into an impeachment court and begin proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte following days of political turmoil that critics say severely damaged the chamber’s credibility.
Akbayan Representative Percival Cendaña on Sunday demanded that senators stop the political drama and finally carry out their constitutional duty by opening the impeachment trial without further delay.
Cendaña said the Senate’s reputation had already suffered after a chaotic week marked by leadership upheavals, political maneuvering, and controversy surrounding Senator Ronald dela Rosa.
According to him, the only way for the institution to regain public trust is to proceed immediately with the impeachment case against Duterte instead of allowing more uncertainty and political distractions.
He also appealed to the public to closely monitor the proceedings and ensure accountability is not derailed behind closed doors.
The controversy erupted after the Senate leadership dramatically changed hands just as impeachment complaints against Duterte were elevated to the upper chamber.
Critics quickly questioned the timing of the leadership shake-up, noting that the new Senate majority is widely viewed as politically aligned with the Duterte camp.
Despite this, Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano publicly insisted that the impeachment proceedings would move forward “forthwith” and denied any intention to delay the process.
Cayetano maintained that the Senate majority supposedly had “no reason” to block or postpone the trial.
Cendaña argued that the political turmoil surrounding the Senate could not be separated from the impeachment battle now looming over Duterte.
He suggested that the confusion, infighting, and instability inside the chamber created an environment that benefited those seeking to avoid scrutiny and accountability.
The lawmaker specifically pointed to the controversy involving dela Rosa, who resurfaced inside the Senate during the leadership transition before later disappearing again after reportedly evading arrest.
Dela Rosa — a known ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte — is being linked to crimes against humanity allegations tied to the bloody anti-drug campaign currently under scrutiny by the International Criminal Court.
The senator reportedly remained inside the Senate complex under institutional protection for several days before managing to slip away, intensifying criticism against Senate leadership and security arrangements.
For Cendaña, the issue goes beyond politics.
He warned that if authorities failed to ensure accountability now, the public could lose faith in whether powerful officials are still answerable under the law.
As pressure mounts, the Senate now faces what many observers see as a defining institutional test — whether it will proceed with the impeachment trial swiftly and transparently, or become consumed by accusations of political shielding and backroom maneuvering.
ia/xf
