DEPUTY Speaker Janette L. Garin of Iloilo on Tuesday welcomed the Senate’s convening as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, describing it as a promising opening salvo that could lead to a fair, orderly, and evidence-based process.
“The Senate’s convening is a promising opening salvo. It tells the public that the constitutional process is moving, and that both sides will now have the proper forum to be heard,” Garin said.
Garin said the Senate’s initial timetable also reflects observance of due process, with the Vice President given a non-extendible 10-day period to answer the charges and the House prosecution panel allotted five days to respond.
“Magandang simula na malinaw ang timetable. May panahon ang Bise Presidente na sumagot, may panahon ang prosecution na tumugon, at may pagkakataon ang taumbayan na makita ang proseso,” she said.
The Deputy Speaker said the proceedings should move forward with restraint, dignity, and respect for the Senate as an impeachment court, while avoiding unnecessary delays.
“We respect the Senate as a coequal chamber and as the impeachment court. Our hope is simple: let the case move forward, let the evidence be tested, and let the process remain fair and free from any tinge of political maneuvering,” Garin said.
The House adopted four Articles of Impeachment against Duterte involving allegations of misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, graft and corruption, and threats against top government officials.
Garin said the gravity of the allegations warrants a full trial rather than public sparring or procedural distractions.
“Hindi ito panahon para sa paligsahan ng ingay. Panahon ito para sa maayos na paglilitis, malinaw na ebidensiya, at patas na pagtingin sa magkabilang panig,” she said.
She added that the Senate trial also provides the proper forum repeatedly invoked by Duterte’s camp.
For Garin, the country stands to benefit when accountability proceeds in a calm, lawful, and credible manner.
“The sooner a fair trial proceeds, the better for the nation. The people deserve answers, the respondent deserves due process, and our institutions deserve the opportunity to prove that accountability still works,” Garin said.
