Courtesy: Senate of the Philipppines
SOCIOLOGY professor Louie Montemar of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) on Saturday said many Filipinos do not believe the recent leadership change in the Senate had nothing to do with the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.
Montemar explained during the Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City that public perception strongly points to the belief that the Senate upheaval was meant to slow down or influence the impeachment process, especially since the ousting of former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III brought back a more pro-Duterte majority bloc.
“Sa mga nakikita kong lumalabas sa social media at sa narinig sa aking mga networks, karamihan ng mga Pilipino—sa totoo lang—hindi naniniwala na walang koneksyon sa impeachment ang nangyaring power grab o kudeta sa Senado,” he said.
“So kahit ano pang sabihin ng mga politiko, nasa isip ng tao, ‘yan ay ginawa para mapabagal ang pagtakbo ng impeachment proceedings,” he added.
All seats in the Senate were declared vacant at the same time the House voted to impeach Duterte on May 11. Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano was then elected the new Senate president with 13 members backing him.
Montemar, who also represents a consumer advocacy network, said restoring public trust in the Senate would require concrete action from its leadership. He argued that Cayetano should step down, claiming public confidence in the Senate leadership had already eroded.
“Kinakailangan palitan ang pamumuno dahil wala nang tiwala ang tao kay Alan Cayetano,” he said.
Montemar disclosed that alumni groups composed of former student leaders from PUP and the University of the Philippines had already begun calling for Cayetano’s resignation.
“Mayroon nang pumirmang mahigit 150 dating student leaders ng UP na pinapanawagan na tanggalin si Cayetano o paalisin si Cayetano sa kanyang posisyon ngayon,” he said.
“At halos kalahati ng pumirma ay mga dati niyang kapartido niya mismo sa UP,” he added.
The professor also raised concerns over Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s continued participation in the Senate impeachment court, saying some sectors were questioning whether the senator could objectively participate in the proceedings.
“Marami nang tao ang tingin ko talagang hindi naniniwala sa pagiging senador at nasa tamang pag-iisip siya ngayon para magdesisyon,” Montemar said.
Despite his criticisms, Montemar acknowledged concerns that prolonged political instability and impeachment proceedings could negatively affect the economy through inflation and higher prices.
“Kung praktikal tayo, ayaw natin talaga magkaroon ng kaguluhan sa gobyerno sa impeachment kasi nga gaya ng sinabi ko kanina, makakaapekto sa ating ekonomiya, mas posibleng tumaas ang mga presyo, lumobo ang inflation,” he said.
However, he stressed that the impeachment case should not be viewed merely through the lens of politics or the 2028 elections, but as an issue of accountability.
“Usapin ito ng mapanagot ang kung sinoman may kasalanan,” he said.
Montemar also said he believes the vice president had wrongfully benefitted from public funds, emphasizing that the discussion on whether she actually did is the conversation that the Filipino people should not forget.
He added that the impeachment trial must proceed both to strengthen institutions and ensure accountability for alleged wrongdoing.
“Kailangan matuloy ang impeachment proceedings sa dalawang kadahilanan. Una, maisaayos ang ating mga proseso at institusyon. Pangalawa, mapanagot ang kung sinoman may sala,” he said.
“Kung hindi mapapanagot ang taong may sala o hindi dumaan ng proseso nang maayos, lalong gugulo ang ating bansa,” he added.
The Senate is expected to convene as an impeachment court on May 18 to begin proceedings on the articles of impeachment transmitted by the House of Representatives against Duterte. The charges include allegations of misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and grave threats.
