Philippine Universities Demand Immediate Duterte Impeachment Trial

Philippine Universities Demand Duterte Impeachment Trial Proceed Manila, Philippines – June 6, 2025 – Several prominent Philippine universities have issued a strong call for the Senate to immediately proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. The appeal, spearheaded by San Beda University Graduate School of Law, highlights the lack of legal and constitutional justification for delaying the proceedings. The universities argue that the delay undermines public trust in democratic processes. Their statement emphasizes Article XI of the 1987 Constitution, which mandates the Senate to proceed with an impeachment trial once a verified complaint is endorsed by at least one-third of the House of Representatives. This legal basis, they contend, makes the delay unacceptable. "There is no sound constitutional and legal basis for any delay in the trial," stated a representative from San Beda University. "In fact, an undue delay sends the signal to the nation that mandated processes are thwarted for ulterior ends." The GMA News report also includes comments from Professor Paolo Tamase of the University of the Philippines College of Law, who further underscores the unconstitutionality of the delay. He argues that the Senate's responsibility is to "try and decide," not to dismiss the case based on procedural technicalities. This development comes amidst ongoing political discussions and debates surrounding Vice President Duterte's tenure. The universities' direct and forceful call for action adds a significant layer to these discussions, emphasizing the importance of upholding constitutional processes and transparency in government.