Several universities and law professors have called on the Senate to uphold its constitutional mandate and move forward with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a statement on Friday, De La Salle University (DLSU) strongly condemned attempts—whether covert or overt—"to prematurely discard or obstruct" the constitutional impeachment process against Duterte.
"The impeachment process is not merely a political exercise; it is a sacred mechanism enshrined in the 1987 Constitution to ensure that the highest public officials remain answerable to the people they serve," the statement read.
"Any attempt to suppress this process undermines the pursuit of truth, and the very foundation of democracy, the rule of law, and the principle that no one is above the law," it further added.
DLSU underscored the duty of senators from both the 19th and upcoming 20th Congress to act with impartiality in safeguarding justice, particularly in matters concerning the accountability of public officials.
The institution stressed that senators are not passive observers of political maneuvering but protectors of the Republic’s integrity. It added that they must ensure the rule of law stands firm, even under political pressure.
"We call on the Senate to allow the impeachment process to proceed with fairness, transparency, and due diligence, guided by truth and a deep sense of patriotic responsibility. To cut short this process is not only a disservice to justice but also a betrayal of public trust," DLSU added.
Echoing this view, the Ateneo School of Government stated that dismissing the impeachment case without a trial is a failure to fulfill duty and an obvious attempt to cover up the allegations against a public official.
This statement comes amid proposals to declare the impeachment case against Duterte as functionally or de facto dismissed.
"The impeachment process is a sacred duty enshrined in our Constitution. It is the primary mechanism to ensure that our elected officials would remain faithful to their sworn duty to serve the public with dedication, commitment, and most importantly, integrity," the Ateneo School of Government said in a statement on Saturday.
"We remind our Senators that they are public servants and their mandate is based on the people’s trust. We pray that they would remain true to what the Senate institution stands for: upholding the Constitution, promoting democratic values, and serving the national interest," it added.
Professors from the Graduate School of Law at San Beda University, speaking in their individual capacities, also urged the Senate to proceed with the trial in accordance with Article XI of the Constitution.
The professors underscored three points that warrant careful consideration: first, the great branches of government must lead the nation in the strict observance of the Constitution’s commands; second, there is no valid constitutional or legal basis for any delay in the trial; and third, accountability is essential to a government’s ability to earn the respect and trust of its citizens.
Members of the University of the Philippines College of Law faculty also expressed serious concern over the proposal to dismiss the impeachment case, warning that a "premature dismissal" would undermine the fundamental democratic principle of checks and balances.
After 215 lawmakers signed the complaint in February, Duterte became the first vice president to face impeachment in the House of Representatives.
The complaint arose from allegations of misuse of confidential and intelligence funds by agencies led by Duterte, in addition to an alleged death threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
