Defiant Stand on Vice President Sara Duterte Impeachment Process
Incoming Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima remains steadfast in pursuing the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte despite widespread doubts about its success in the Senate. The impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte faces skepticism after recent midterm elections reportedly strengthened her Senate allies, making conviction unlikely.
On the evening of May 29, de Lima addressed rumors suggesting the case is “dead on arrival” once it reaches the Senate. She said, “May mga bulong na hindi na raw uusad ang impeachment case laban kay Vice President Sara Duterte: ‘Dead on arrival’ daw. Kulang sa boto. Tapos na bago pa magsimula. Maging ang Pangulo, tila nais ipakita na wala siyang kinalaman o kagustuhan dito.” (There are whispers that the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte will no longer move forward. It’s ‘dead on arrival’, they say. There aren’t enough votes. It’s over before it even begins. Even the President seems eager to show that he has no involvement or desire on the matter.)
De Lima challenged this resignation to defeat by asking, “Pero malinaw ang tanong: Susundin ba natin ang proseso, o tatalikuran ito dahil sa takot o kalkulasyon?” (But the question is clear: Will we follow due process, or abandon it out of fear or political calculation?)
Senate Conviction and Evidentiary Importance
Convicting Vice President Duterte requires a two-thirds vote from the 24-member Senate, a difficult hurdle given her growing support. However, de Lima insists the trial must proceed to uphold justice and constitutional process.
“Let the case be heard. Let the evidence be tested. Let truth rise—as it must, as it will,” she urged. In her words, “Kung talagang walang sapat na batayan ang mga akusasyon, ang ebidensiya mismo ang magpapakita niyan. Hindi ang tsismis. Hindi ang takutan. At lalong hindi ang numero sa survey.” (If the accusations truly lack sufficient basis, the evidence itself will prove it. Not gossip. Not fearmongering. And certainly not survey numbers.)
De Lima emphasized that abandoning the process would betray the Filipino people who still believe in justice. “It tells every Filipino that those in power are beyond reach, and that accountability is optional,” she said.
Constitutional Duty and the Fight Against Impunity
The congresswoman-elect underscored the impeachment trial as a vital part of the constitutional framework. She warned of the dangers when due process is ignored and power goes unchecked.
“But we’ve seen this before. We know what happens when process is ignored, when truth is silenced, when the powerful are shielded from scrutiny,” she noted. “This is how impunity begins. This is how it is sustained. And this is how a nation forgets. We cannot allow that to happen again. Not on our watch.”
De Lima, a former Department of Justice secretary, called on Filipinos to stand firm in upholding the Constitution. “Panahon na para muling itindig ang Saligang Batas. Panahon na para igiit na katotohanan ang dapat maging pundasyon ng ating pamahalaan,” she said. (It’s time to uphold the Constitution once more. It is time to assert that truth must be the foundation of our government.)
Next Steps in the Impeachment Trial
The House of Representatives initiated the impeachment with 215 signatures on February 5. The Senate is expected to begin the impeachment trial in July. Despite the challenges, de Lima insists on moving forward, reminding everyone that justice must not be sidelined for political convenience.
For more news and updates on Vice President Sara Duterte Impeachment Process, visit Filipinokami.com.