HOUSE Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur on Tuesday welcomed Senate President Tito Sotto’s statement that the Senate may convene as an impeachment court by May 4, 2026, saying it subtly reflects how seriously the case against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte is being regarded—even at this stage.
“Ang ganitong kaagang paghahanda ng Senado ay hindi ginagawa kung walang malinaw na batayan,” Alonto Adiong, chair of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, said. “It suggests that many senators are already seeing that a substantial case is taking shape—one that could justify the House transmitting the Articles of Impeachment.”
Alonto Adiong stressed that while the House of Representatives has the sole constitutional duty to determine probable cause, the Senate’s posture points to a broader institutional appreciation of the strength of the evidence emerging from the proceedings.
“The Senate is an independent body. It does not act on speculation. The fact that it is already positioning itself to convene indicates that the developments in the House are being closely watched—and taken seriously,” Alonto Adiong said.
Alonto Adiong added that such readiness is consistent with the gravity of the allegations and the evidence being placed on record.
“Hindi ito usaping mababaw. The records being built, the testimonies presented, and the documentary trail all contribute to a growing picture that demands full constitutional scrutiny,” Alonto Adiong noted.
Alonto Adiong emphasized that the House remains focused on due process and evidence, not politics.
“We will complete our work based on facts and law. But clearly, the Senate’s early readiness reflects a recognition that this is not a weak or dismissible case—it is one that may soon warrant full trial,” he said.
He said the development should reassure the public that both chambers are aligned in upholding accountability mechanisms.
“This is institutional coordination at its best—not collusion, but readiness. The message is clear: if the Articles are transmitted, the Senate will be prepared to act promptly because the case before it is expected to be substantial,” Alonto Adiong said.
Alonto Adiong called on the public to allow the process to proceed without noise or distraction.
“Let the evidence lead. Let the Constitution prevail. And let the truth come out in full view of the Filipino people,” Alonto Adiong said.
