VP impeachment trial a test of conscience, duty – senator

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Loren Legarda stated that preparing for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is "not merely a legal exercise." She described it as a "test of judgment, conscience, and institutional duty." Legarda, a four-term lawmaker, has been part of three impeachment trials: against President Joseph Estrada from November 2000 to January 2001, Chief Justice Renato Corona from December 2011 to May 2012, and the upcoming trial of the Vice President in July 2025. She noted that impeachment trials "test the strength of our institutions and the resolve of those who serve." "The process must rise above political factions and personal attacks, and focus only on the evidence, the Constitution, and whether the alleged acts warrant conviction," she added. During the first day of the trial, Legarda manifested that the question of who presides over the impeachment court must be resolved with fidelity to the intent of the framers of the 1987 Constitution. She warned that any departure from the traditional arrangement could cast doubt on the validity and legitimacy of the trial, stressing that constitutional design should guide the Senate in exercising its duty. She also placed on record a pending challenge before the Supreme Court involving the June Senate proceedings and Senate Resolution No. 430, including questions on the authority of the body that adopted it. Legarda clarified that her position in the impeachment court is without prejudice to the final determination of the Supreme Court, affirming that she was not waiving any of her arguments in the case under judicial review. The impeachment court will hold sessions until July 22, before resuming on July 28.