Some senators defended their positions Tuesday after a heated session in the Senate triggered the formal start of impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said the discussions were intense and revolved entirely around the correct legal process.
“As someone from Mindanao, we love Tatay Digong and his family. However, we must also follow the Constitution and the processes set and mandated by our fundamental law,” he said.
Zubiri acknowledged the personal and regional loyalties some lawmakers may have, but stressed that adherence to the Constitution must take precedence.
“That is part of what we call ‘checks and balances,’ which are enshrined for all administrations and for our people, regardless of political color or leaning,” he explained.
Zubiri added that his position was not a judgment on the impeachment itself, but a commitment to the rule of law.
Senator Imee Marcos also described Monday’s session as heated, but said the Senate took a careful and deliberate approach in reaching its decisions.
“Stay calm, the decision was made carefully and clearly to arrive at the best possible solution,” she assured.
Senator Joel Villanueva said he formally filed the motion to have Senate President Francis Escudero take his oath as presiding officer for the impeachment trial.
“Although the discussions were lengthy due to various proposals regarding the convening of the Senate as an impeachment court, I was still able to personally file the motion for Senate President Chiz Escudero to officially take his oath as presiding officer in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte,” he said.
Villanueva also filed a motion for the rest of the senators to take their oath as senator-judges on Tuesday afternoon. He said these actions were part of fulfilling the Senate’s constitutional duty as an impeachment court.
The Senate unanimously voted to refer the verified complaint against Vice President Duterte to the committee on rules.
During the same session, the Senate passed the Anti-POGO Act of 2025 on third reading, along with more than 25 other bills.
