PASAY CITY, Philippines — Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano clarified on Friday, September 25, that minority lawmakers will continue participating in the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, dispelling rumors of a potential boycott.
Cayetano reaffirmed that the minority bloc intends to fulfill its constitutional obligations as members of the Senate Impeachment Court, even as its members express strong opposition to the tribunal’s recent decision to modify the voting threshold required for conviction or acquittal.
“So far, we don’t have any indication that we won’t attend. It is our constitutional duty to be part of the impeachment court, and fairness is of utmost importance,” Cayetano told reporters.
The minority leader noted that dissatisfaction remains among his colleagues regarding the Supreme Court’s stance on the issue, pointing out that altering procedural rules midway through a trial raises serious fairness concerns.
“If you were to ask whether we are still grieving—of course we are, because we feel the Supreme Court should have reconsidered its ruling. We believe fairness is compromised when this happens in the middle of a trial,” he pointed out. “That said, there is a process to follow, right? But so far, there have been no discussions about not participating.”
Cayetano also voiced support for a petition filed before the Supreme Court by former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez, which challenges the amended voting rules adopted by the Impeachment Court on September 23.
He stressed that a prompt ruling from the High Court is essential to address legal uncertainties surrounding the proceedings.
“That’s expected. I hear that the Supreme Court decides better…So, it is crucial that a decision be made quickly and immediately,” Cayetano remarked.
Regarding debates on whether the Supreme Court should intervene at this stage, Cayetano expressed confidence in the judicial process while acknowledging differing legal views, such as those held by Akbayan Party-list Representative Chel Diokno and Presiding Officer Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.
“We have confidence in our legal system, but no one can really predict the timing or the pace. As Congressman (Chel) Diokno noted, opinions differ. For many of us—including Senator Chiz (Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero)—the view from the very beginning was that the matter was already justiciable; meaning, it was ripe for a decision. However, Congressman Diokno holds a different view,” Cayetano explained. “Ultimately, only the Supreme Court can provide the answer to that.”
Looking toward the conclusion of the trial, Cayetano voiced hope for a decisive outcome supported by all 24 senator-judges based on the strength of the evidence presented.
“So I am really hoping—I repeat to you all—I am really hoping that the evidence is completely lacking, such that all 24 senators vote to acquit. Or that the evidence is so damning that all 24 senators find her guilty, right?” he said.
“Because if it’s either of those two scenarios, we won’t have an issue. It will be clear, and justice will be fair, right? But as long as there are questions regarding the rules and the quality of the evidence, it is inevitable that political spin will come into play,” Cayetano added.
“(I’m) not talking about the senator-judges, but because, it’s still a political process. Isn’t it? It’s a legal process, it needs fair and justice, but it all has a political nature.”