Groups rally as Duterte trial opens

By Juliane Judilla

Progressive groups staged a protest in front of the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral in Iloilo City on Sunday, July 6, as the Senate opened the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

The mobilization was led by Kahublagan Kontra Kurapsyon and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Panay, whose members called for accountability as Duterte faced trial before the Senate impeachment court.

BAYAN Panay said the grounds for Duterte’s impeachment remain valid and urged the Senate to ensure that proceedings are conducted fairly and without political interference.

The impeachment complaint cites several allegations against Duterte, including betrayal of public trust, conspiracy to commit murder, and the alleged misuse of PHP 612.5 million in confidential funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.

It also includes allegations of corruption, bribery, and the accumulation of unexplained wealth.

Lawmakers said the alleged acts violated the 1987 Philippine Constitution and amounted to betrayal of public trust, prompting the House of Representatives to impeach Duterte.

The Senate will determine whether Duterte should be convicted or acquitted, with conviction requiring a two-thirds vote of the 24-member chamber.

“Klaro nga dapat manabat ang tanan nga sangkot sa kurapsyon, ilabi na ang reyna sang kurapsyon nga si Sara Duterte,” said Samantha Herbolario of Anakbayan Panay.

(It is clear that everyone involved in corruption must be held accountable, especially Sara Duterte, whom we consider the “queen of corruption.”)

Herbolario said the millions of pesos allegedly lost to corruption could have been used to build classrooms and school facilities, raise workers’ salaries, and increase funding for basic social services.

She said citizens in a democratic country have every right to demand Duterte’s impeachment.

“Ang kamot sa pagpahalin sang opisyal, ara sa kamot sang pumuluyo,” she said.

(The power to remove public officials lies in the hands of the people.)

The groups also welcomed the arrests of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and former Rep. Mike Defensor, who were taken into custody July 6 after the Sandiganbayan issued warrants in connection with nonbailable plunder charges.

Authorities said the case is linked to alleged undeclared campaign donations amounting to PHP 75 million.

Reacting to the arrests, the groups said they viewed the development as proof that sustained public pressure can push authorities to pursue truth and accountability.

“Ang pagdakop kay Marcoleta kag Defensor pamatuod nga mabaskog ang gahum sang pumuluyo sa pagpanawagan sang kamatuoran kag accountability,” the groups said.

(The arrests of Marcoleta and Defensor are proof that the people have the power to demand truth and accountability.)