June 9, 2025

We, the undersigned faculty members of the Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, urge the Philippine Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Francis Escudero, to uphold its constitutional mandate and immediately commence the impeachment trial of Vice-President Sara Duterte. The prolonged delay in fulfilling this duty undermines the inviolable principles of accountability, transparency, and democratic governance that we must uphold and instill in our students and in all Filipino citizens .

While impeachment is inherently political, it need not be politicized. Politics in the best, most democratic sense—as the practice of accountability and pursuit of the public good—requires that public officials be held to the highest standards of integrity. Our Constitution, especially Article XI on the Accountability of Public Officers, empowers and obliges the Senate to perform this role without delay. As the framers of the 1987 Constitution have affirmed, the mandate is clear: once the House has adopted the Articles of Impeachment, the trial in the Senate must forthwith proceed immediately and  without unreasonable delay.

The reasoning  that the impeachment lapses with the end of the 19th Congress runs contrary to the  intent of the Constitution. It is also indefensible given the avoidable delays from both chambers of Congress in the past months. Being constituted as an impeachment court is a constituent function of the Senate, distinct from its legislative work, and  is governed by a higher duty to ensure that public office remains a public trust. Further delaying  this process  will render public  trust and accountability meaningless.

If the Senate does not immediately hold the Vice-President accountable, then it would be tantamount to stifling the people’s right to know the truth. A Social Weather Stations survey showed that nearly nine in ten Filipinos want Vice-President Duterte to address the charges and attempt to clear her name. The Filipino people deserve clarity, not evasion. Due process requires that the Vice-President be given a fair trial, and democratic accountability demands that the charges be heard and judged by the Senate. The people can handle the truth; they, in fact, demand it.

As educators and scholars of politics, we teach our students that power must always be exercised with the public interest in mind, and not for selfish, personal, or partisan ends. We emphasize integrity, respect for democratic institutions, and a commitment to civil discourse across differences. Many of our nation’s leaders, including sitting senators, were once trained in our classrooms. We remind them now of the enduring lesson we hold dear: Excellence is meaningless without honor. Walang saysay ang husay kung walang dangal.

We now call on the Philippine  Senate: commence the impeachment trial now. Strengthen our democracy. Honor your oath. Uphold the trust of the people. The Filipino people are watching you.

MEMBERS OF THE FACULTY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES, DILIMAN, QUEZON CITY 1101

  • Prof. Aries A. Arugay, PhD
  • Prof. Maria Ela L. Atienza, PhD
  • Assoc. Prof. Dennis V. Blanco, DPA
  • Asst. Prof. Nathaniel P. Candelaria
  • Assoc. Prof. Francis Rico C. Domingo, PhD
  • Prof. Jean Encinas-Franco, PhD
  • Assoc. Prof. Perlita M. Frago-Marasigan, PhD
  • Asst. Prof. Enrico V. Gloria
  • Assoc. Prof. Jan Robert R. Go, PhD
  • Asst. Prof. Edcel John A. Ibarra
  • Asst. Prof. Sol Iglesias, PhD
  • Prof. Herman Joseph S. Kraft
  • Prof. Ruth R. Lusterio-Rico, PhD
  • Asst. Prof. Aaron Abel T. Mallari
  • Asst. Prof. Maria Elize H. Mendoza
  • Asst. Prof. Matthew Manuelito S. Miranda
  • Asst. Prof. Danilo A. Reyes, PhD
  • Asst. Prof. Maria Theresa Anna C. Robles, PhD
  • Asst. Prof. Ranjit S. Rye
  • Asst. Prof. Virgemarie A. Salazar, PhD
  • Assoc. Prof. Jalton G. Taguibao, PhD
  • Asst. Prof. Aletheia Kerygma B. Valenciano
  • Assoc. Prof. Jean Paul L. Zialcita, PhD