1Sambayan urges Senate to begin preparations for impeachment trial

Opposition coalition 1Sambayan on Monday called on the Senate leadership to initiate preparations for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte to ensure a transparent, fair, and efficient process.

In a letter addressed to Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero, 1Sambayan convenors retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio and lawyer Howard Calleja outlined key preparatory steps necessary for an effective impeachment trial.

“While the impeachment process itself requires careful attention to legal and procedural details, the importance of preparatory work required for an efficient trial cannot be overstated,” Carpio and Calleja emphasized.

Escudero had earlier stated that the Senate could only convene as an impeachment court when Congress is in session, meaning the trial would begin in July 2025, when the 20th Congress resumes.

The 1Sambayan leaders also urged the Senate leadership to revise impeachment rules to streamline proceedings.

“The impeachment rules should authorize the Senate President to forthwith issue summons to the impeached official to respond to the Articles of Impeachment within 15 non-extendible calendar days and require the prosecution to submit a reply within 5 non-extendible calendar days,” they proposed.

Additionally, they recommended empowering the Senate President to order the preservation of records related to the impeachment case.

“Thus, the Senate President can direct the Armed Forces of the Philippines to preserve and safeguard the records of the investigation of the Vice President's two military aides who ended up in possession of the P125 million confidential funds,” they stated.

Meanwhile, former Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) National President Atty. Domingo Cayosa stressed that the Senate should begin the impeachment trial, citing provisions of the 1987 Constitution that mandate due process in impeachment proceedings.

Military findings

1Sambayan also sent a separate letter to Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, requesting the release of the military’s investigation findings regarding Vice President Duterte’s military aides and the P125 million confidential funds.

“This matter has raised significant public interest. As concerned citizens, we respectfully seek clarity regarding the details of the investigation and its findings,” the group stated.

They underscored that transparency is essential in maintaining institutional integrity and accountability in the use of public funds. — DVM, GMA Integrated News