The Makabayan Bloc vehemently condemned the Senate’s decision to remand the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, describing it as an “abdication of constitutional duty.”
Minutes after the majority of the Senate voted to remand the impeachment complaint against VP Duterte on Tuesday, the Makabayan Bloc condemned the decision, calling for an indignation rally at the Senate on Wednesday, June 10.
According to their statement, the move represents a “dangerous departure from constitutional procedure,” adding that it undermines the purpose of an impeachment as a means for exacting accountability from the highest officials.
“The Senate's action is not only legally baseless but also a clear abdication of its constitutional duty to try impeachment cases,” the Makabayan Bloc emphasized.
According to the lawmakers’ joint statement, the Constitution is explicit in its provisions regarding impeachment proceedings. The process requires that after the House of Representatives transmits the articles of impeachment to the Senate, the upper chamber must conduct a trial, not return the articles “as if they were defective legislation.”
"Ang ginawa ng Senado ay walang kapantay na paglabag sa ating Saligang Batas. Hindi pwedeng ibalik sa Kamara ang mga artikulo ng impeachment dahil tapos na ang papel namin dito. Ang responsibilidad ng Senado ay husgahan ang kaso, hindi ibalik ito. Bilang co-equal na kamara, wala itong karapatang pagpaliwanagin ang Kongreso sa prosesong humantong sa impeachment ng Bise Presidente," ACT Teacher’s Partylist Rep. France Castro expressed.
Meanwhile, Gabriela Women’s Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas highlighted that the “unconstitutional maneuver will only further inflame the burgeoning outrage of the Filipino people who are already witnessing the systematic erosion of democratic processes under this administration.”
The Makabayan Bloc firmly described the action as part of a broader pattern of “institutional manipulation” designed to protect officials in power from accountability.
Furthermore, the groups argued that the decision nullifies the Congress’ constitutional prerogative to impeach an official, adding that it denies the Filipino people of their “right to see justice served through proper constitutional channels.”
“Ang mga mamamayang Pilipino ay hindi tanga. Nakikita nila kung paano ginagamit ang mga institusyon para protektahan ang mga corrupt na opisyal. Ang ganitong klaseng political maneuvering ay lalo lang magpapainit ng galit ng taumbayan,” Kabataan Partylist Rep. Raoul Manuel emphasized.
The group called on all patriotic Filipinos to reject the “constitutional travesty.” They also demanded that the Senate proceed with the impeachment trial to fulfill its duty and uphold the Constitution.
Moreover, the Makabayan Bloc called on their colleagues in Congress to stand firm, adding that attaining justice and accountability would greatly depend on the officials’ collective resolve to defend those who manipulate such processes for their own needs.
"The Filipino people deserve better than this mockery of accountability. Kaya nananawagan kami sa mga kababayan nating para sa katarungan na sumama sa protesta bukas sa Senado," the Makabayan Bloc concluded.
Demanding Accountability
Taking action on the unexpected turn of events, the partylists under the Makabayan Bloc announced they would be staging a protest on Wednesday, June 10 at 2:30 PM.
The group will assemble at the Manila Film Center in Pasay City and will march to the Senate gates at 3:00 PM.
The groups involved in the protest consist of the following: ACT Teachers’ Partylist, the Kabataan Partylist, Gabriela Women’s Partylist, and BAYAN MUNA Partylist. However, more individuals and groups are expected to participate in the movement.
