A newly established citizens' network, Bantay Senado, is advocating for the inclusion of ordinary Filipinos in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, which is set to commence on July 6, 2026. Launched on June 1 at De La Salle University in Manila, the group comprises 350 members from various sectors, including students, lawyers, and civil society.
Bantay Senado's Mission
The voices of ordinary Filipinos are important, and that’s the role of Bantay Senado, to ensure that ordinary citizens will participate in the impeachment trial.
Cleve Arguelles, Bantay Senado Spokesperson
Bantay Senado's primary goal is to monitor the impeachment process to guarantee it adheres to constitutional standards of fairness and impartiality. The group plans to hold public town halls across communities and launch an extensive online education campaign to inform citizens about the trial's developments.
Recent polling by OCTA Research indicates an increase in public support for the impeachment trial, rising from 69% in March to 74% in April. This growing momentum highlights the people's demand for accountability and transparency in government actions.
Challenges Ahead
Arguelles noted the anticipated challenges, including misinformation and disinformation campaigns likely to surface as the trial approaches. Bantay Senado aims to be a reliable source of information, providing accessible summaries of legal proceedings and maintaining a public scorecard of senator-judges' impartiality.
As the trial unfolds, the network's commitment to sustained public engagement will be crucial in ensuring transparency and accountability. The Senate impeachment court will be presided over by Senate President Ala Peter Cayetano, who recently took office amid significant political changes.