Despite admitting the possibility of aligning with the Senate majority, Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan have expressed their support for moving forward with the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
On his social media account, Senator Aquino shared photos of himself being fitted for the official “impeachment robe” to be worn by senator-judges during the possible trial set to begin on Monday, August 4.
“Malaki at mabigat ang katungkulan (na) ito pero handa tayong gawin ang nakasaad sa Saligang Batas. Tayo ay magiging patas, matapang at sisiguraduhing walang papanigan sa ating pagdedesisyon,” Aquino said.
Senator Pangilinan echoed Aquino’s sentiments, emphasizing that the impeachment trial is a constitutional process that must proceed without delay.
“Let me reiterate my position: I support the continuation of the impeachment proceedings,” Pangilinan stated.
He added, “The Constitution is clear: once the Articles of Impeachment are transmitted to the Senate, the trial shall proceed forthwith. There must be no undue delay.”
Both senators emphasized that they will remain impartial and that their votes will be based solely on the evidence presented by the House of Representatives’ prosecution panel.
Aquino and Pangilinan are known allies of Senator Risa Hontiveros, a vocal critic of Vice President Duterte and one of the driving forces behind the impeachment initiative.
Pangilinan also previously faced Duterte in the 2022 vice-presidential race.