Senator Raffy Tulfo on Tuesday urged his colleagues in the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, stressing that the proceedings would allow her a fair opportunity to address the accusations head-on.
Tulfo said in an Inquirer.net report, “What’s important to me is that the impeachment trial proceeds, and I really want it to push through so that we can give VP Sara the chance to share her side.”
Tulfo emphasized that clearing one’s name in a public and legal forum would serve the Vice President better than a premature dismissal of the complaint. “Wouldn’t it be better for her to clear her name by defending herself during the impeachment process and proving her innocence, rather than having the case dismissed before it even goes to a hearing?” he asked.
The impeachment complaint has yet to move forward due to procedural hurdles. When the Senate impeachment court convened on June 11, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa—one of Duterte’s staunchest allies—filed a motion to dismiss the case. However, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano amended this motion, instead proposing that the House confirm the validity of the complaint and certify its intent to pursue it under the 20th Congress.
The House of Representatives has since addressed the first requirement. However, the second—certifying the 20th Congress’ intention to pursue the case—remains pending. The new Congress officially began on June 30 and is expected to formally open its session on July 28.
Dela Rosa, meanwhile, signaled that he would raise jurisdictional concerns when the Senate reconvenes. He believes the current Senate must decide whether it will honor the actions of its predecessor.
“Maybe the first motion I will raise is to determine whether or not the Senate of the 20th Congress is willing to be bound by the actions of the previous Senate,” Dela Rosa said earlier.
Tulfo, however, was firm in his stance. “I want to have a trial so that VP Sara has the chance to defend herself. Right now, she’s saying she’s innocent—so let her prove that she really is.”
He also asserted that the matter of jurisdiction has already been settled. “Jurisdiction has already been established. That shouldn’t be up for discussion anymore,” he added.
Tulfo was among the 18 senators who voted to return the complaint to the House instead of dismissing it, signaling his commitment to a full and fair trial.
