UP Law Professors Urge Senate to Proceed with Duterte Impeachment Amid Dismissal Concerns

University of the Philippines law professors have issued a statement calling for the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Their concerns center on a proposed resolution to dismiss the case, which they argue would violate Duterte's right to a speedy trial. "A premature dismissal will undermine the core democratic principle of checks and balances," the professors stated in their open letter. Senator Bato dela Rosa has admitted to drafting a Senate resolution seeking the dismissal, claiming the Senate's inaction on the complaint has violated Duterte's rights. The professors maintain that an impeachment trial has its own unique procedure and is not subject to the same rules as judicial or administrative cases. Their statement highlights the importance of upholding the constitutional process and the principle of checks and balances in the face of political pressure. The situation underscores the ongoing tensions within the Philippine political system and the ongoing debate surrounding the impeachment process.