Activists, legal professionals, and church leaders are raising alarms about the new Senate majority's approach to Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment case.
Despite the new Senate President's assurances of a prompt trial, many doubt the commitment to an unbiased process.
The coalition Tindig Pilipinas plans to demonstrate outside the Senate today, demanding the trial commence immediately.
Francis Aquino Dee, a co-convener of Tindig Pilipinas, referred to the public's outrage following recent Senate maneuvers.
He criticized the ousting of former Senate President Vicente Sotto III as a political maneuver by Duterte's allies.
This is not a move by the innocent but by one who is using influence and power to cover up for someone else and to bastardize the Constitution.
Francisco Aquino Dee
The Tindig coalition previously filed an impeachment complaint against Duterte but later withdrew to support a similar case.
Legal experts stress that the Senate has a constitutional obligation to act as an impeachment court.
Failing to convene could lead to claims of dereliction of duty, they warn.
Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno emphasized that the Senate must conduct a trial as mandated by the Constitution.
Political analysts express skepticism about the Senate's ability to handle the case fairly.
Ederson Tapia from the University of Makati noted the new majority may approach the trial with caution.
Church groups have called on the Senate to prioritize truth and justice in the impeachment process.
They urge senators to restore public confidence in institutions by adhering to the rule of law.