(Editorial)
HUMAN rights lawyer Dino de Leon has described the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte as a defining moment for the country’s democratic system — a critical stress test that will determine whether Philippine institutions can uphold the rule of law even under immense pressure.
Speaking during the Saturday News Forum held at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City, De Leon emphasized that the issue goes far beyond the fate of a single public official; rather, it is a measure of the strength, integrity, and independence of the very structures meant to serve and protect the people.
He drew attention to the recent decision by the House Committee on Justice finding probable cause to impeach the vice president, noting that this development brings the long-standing question of accountability into sharp focus.
De Leon did not mince words when looking back at recent history, saying frankly that the country failed a similar test just last year. “And let us be candid: last year, we failed that test miserably. When institutions were placed under pressure, we fell short. With due respect, the very people that were tasked by the Constitution to uphold accountability and the rule of law did not respond with enough courage and independence,” he stated. While acknowledging some positive shifts following the 2025 elections, he stressed that these improvements remain insufficient to guarantee a robust democracy capable of resisting influence or shielding powerful figures from legal consequences.
For the human rights advocate, the current proceedings present a rare second chance — an opportunity to correct past lapses and demonstrate that the system works for everyone, regardless of position or stature.
“This is a re-take. This is a stress test for Philippine democracy, whether our institutions can hold firm under pressure or whether accountability truly applies to everyone,” he said. De Leon raised pointed questions about past incidents, including the widely reported confrontation involving the vice president and a court official: “O meron bang kagaya ni Sara Duterte na mananapak ng sheriff in plain view of everyone, and she can simply get away with it and remain unscathed?” He also recalled how the country stumbled over the interpretation of the simple but significant constitutional term “forthwith,” calling it a clear sign of institutional weakness: “Bagsak po tayo last year. Sa meaning lang ng forthwith, we miserably failed. I hope this time around we will pass it with flying colors.”
At the heart of De Leon’s argument is the fundamental principle that no one is above the law. “Walang VIP sa batas, kahit gaano ka kataas,” he asserted. He warned the public against attempts to frame the issue along partisan lines, noting that efforts to divide the people are often used to deflect attention from the real concern: accountability.
“They will try to divide us. Sinusubukan po nilang i-divide tayo pero hindi tayo dapat magpa-divide pagdating po sa issue ng pananagutan. Sa usapin ng pananagutan, we are one as a country,” he said. Instead of being swayed by political maneuvering or personal popularity, De Leon urged everyone to focus on the facts. “Kung ang usapin ay pananagutan, ang tinitingnan lang natin ay ebidensya, ebidensya, ebidensya — at hindi personalidad.”
De Leon concluded his remarks by linking the impeachment case to the broader challenge of impunity that continues to erode public trust in government.
“Sa tuwing pinapayagan natin ang culture of impunity — mula sa pananampal sa sheriff noon ni Sara Duterte, hanggang sa pagyurak sa karapatan ng mga manggagawa, unti-unti nating sinisira ang ating mga institusyon. Nawawala ang accountability. We weaken our institutions. Public trust erodes,” he cautioned. In the end, he said, the question the nation must answer is straightforward: “Does our system work when it is tested? Calling for unity around truth and justice, De Leon left the public with a clear message: “This is not a moment for division. This is a moment for truth. This is a moment for accountability.”
