Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri clarified that senators have to serve as judges in the event of an impeachment trial, but he emphasized his hope for a political ceasefire amid the rising rift in the country.
In an ambush interview with the media on Wednesday, Zubiri mentioned that the Senate is preparing for its role following the impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte.
According to the former Senate President, the Senate is obligated to convene as an impeachment court if the complaint proceeds, as this is part of their constitutional duty.
“We have to do our Constitutional mandate to convene an impeachment court. I used to be Senate President so I know the implication of that. We know our duty,” said Zubiri.
While the senators are preparing for it, they are also mindful of the effects it could have on the nation and its people.
Zubiri expressed concern that this could lead to division among Filipinos, and despite the ongoing issues involving VP Sara, he remains hopeful for a political ceasefire, especially with Christmas approaching and the 2025 national and local elections near.
"Personally, if you ask me in my personal opinion, sana walang gulo kasi ayaw po natin ng gulo at this point. Gusto nga po namin ceasefire muna," he added.
He also warned that the Philippines might follow a path similar to South Korea, which is currently grappling with chaos due to the martial law declaration that was later repealed.
In a report by RH Raymund Dadpaas, Zubiri launched his book, The Road to Peace: Crafting the Bangsamoro Organic Law, last night.
The book discusses the framework of the law that is currently in effect in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
