Kilusang Makabansang Ekonomiya (KME) chairperson Jaime Regalario revealed that the group is preparing to convene a “people’s court” alongside the Senate’s expected impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Regalario said the initiative is being discussed with allied groups, including members of the clergy, as a parallel platform to present evidence and engage the public during the trial.
“Binabalak, pinag-uusapan na namin sa KM8, kasama sila, ‘yung ilang obispo at mga kaparian ng ilang kongregasyon na magtayo ng parang people’s counterpart – people’s court na habang nagsasagawa ng pandinig doon sa loob ng Senado magtatayo kami ng People’s Court,” he said during a media forum.
He added that organizers are aiming to hold the activity near the Senate grounds, depending on permissions.
“Maski na sa outside the gate, if they will allow us doon sa loob ng gate the better kakausapin ko si Senate President Tito Sotto kung pwede kaming doon na lang sa may mga puno na hindi mainit,” Regalario noted.
According to Regalario, the “people’s court” will mirror the proceedings inside the Senate by presenting similar pieces of evidence to the public.
“At kung ano ‘yung mga ebidensyang dadalin doon sa Senado kukuha kami ng kopya… ipi-present ‘din naming doon sa People’s Court o hukumang bayan at sabay ito na gagawin habang nagdidinig sila doon sa Senado,” he explained.
He emphasized that the initiative aims to broaden participation by involving various sectors and encouraging public engagement.
“Ang kaibahan nung gagawin namin, represented ‘yung mga sektor ng mamamayan at may mass mobilization na ibig sabihin na may mga tao talagang makikinig doon sa labas,” he said, adding that legal experts will also be invited to provide context.
Amid criticism that the effort may resemble a “kangaroo court,” Regalario defended the move as a legitimate form of civic vigilance.
“Karapatan natin ‘yun, parang isang uri ng pagbabantay, na hindi natutulog ‘yung tao doon sa nangyayari sa Senado… may maglalahad pa rin ng mga ebidensya at maglalahad ng mga katotohanan doon sa People’s Court,” he said.