Kabataan Party-list Representative Renee Louise Co has called on Filipinos, especially the youth, to actively engage in the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte rather than remaining passive observers.
During the launch of the “Bantay Impeachment: A Citizen Watch Campaign for Accountability, Justice, and Truth” at Claret School in Quezon City, Co emphasized that public involvement is crucial since the trial’s outcome will heavily impact the nation’s future.
While she did not specify particular actions, the lawmaker stressed that being a mere spectator is not enough for a matter of this magnitude.
“I’m sure baka may nakaplano na kayo ng ganyan sa July 6, nakatutok tayo doon. Pero beyond that, ang hihingin din sana ay kesa maging passive consumer at nanonood lang ng nangyayari, interpret and analyze din yung mga sinasabi nila,” Co stated.
The congresswoman and lawyer reiterated that citizens possess the power to influence political outcomes through direct engagement.
“And may capacity tayo na may political participation ang mamamayan. Hindi sila nag-mamasid lang, pero sila ay aktibong lumalahok sa proseso ng impeachment,” she added.
Meanwhile, preparations for the trial are moving forward. The prosecution team is scheduled to file its trial brief on Monday, June 15, outlining four articles of impeachment against Duterte. The charges involve allegations of unexplained wealth, making threats against the President’s life, the misuse of confidential funds, and bribery.
A pre-trial conference is set for June 18, where both the prosecution and defense panels will submit their witness lists and formally mark their evidence.
Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua emphasized that this conference will establish the foundational framework for the entire proceedings.
“At ito po, itong pre-trial order ito ang magiging road map ng hearing. So ibig sabihin ito po ang magiging mapa na susundin pagdating sa hearing,” Chua explained.