The recent decision by 19 Philippine senators to archive the impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte, citing a Supreme Court ruling halting her trial, raises serious questions about the state of accountability in our democracy. With a vote of 19-4-1, the Senate has effectively shelved a process that could have clarified allegations of corruption and misuse of power against the Vice President. If, as her camp claims, Duterte is innocent, why obstruct a trial that could have exonerated her? The answer, it seems, lies not in justice but in self-preservation.

The senators who voted to archive—Bato dela Rosa, Bong Go, Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, JV Ejercito, Chiz Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Win Gatchalian, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, Erwin Tulfo, Raffy Tulfo, Camille Villar, Mark Villar, Joel Villanueva, and Miguel Zubiri—have aligned themselves with a decision that smells of political protectionism. Only four senators—Bam Aquino, Risa Hontiveros, Kiko Pangilinan, and Tito Sotto—stood firm in demanding the trial proceed, while Ping Lacson abstained, leaving the public to wonder about the motives behind this overwhelming majority.

If the evidence against Duterte is as baseless as her defenders claim, a trial would have been the perfect stage to clear her name. Instead, the decision to archive suggests a fear of what such a process might uncover—not just about the Vice President but about the web of complicity that may entangle her allies. The Filipino people deserve to know whether the allegations of corruption, particularly regarding the misuse of public funds, hold water. By shutting down the impeachment, these 19 senators have denied the public that truth, raising suspicions that some of those funds may have lined their own pockets.

This move reeks of a Senate more concerned with preserving power and privilege than serving the Filipino people. Many of these senators are entrenched political dynasts, their families thriving on the wealth and influence that public office affords. The decision to archive the impeachment articles is not just a dismissal of accountability—it’s a slap in the face to every Filipino who demands transparency from their leaders. It signals a troubling reality: too many in the Senate prioritize personal agendas over the public good.
The four senators who voted against archiving deserve commendation for their courage. Their stance reflects a commitment to principles over political convenience, a rarity in today’s Senate. As for Ping Lacson’s abstention, it leaves us questioning whether neutrality in such a critical moment is any better than outright obstruction.

The Filipino people are not blind to this betrayal. Social media posts on X echo the public’s frustration, with many calling the archiving a cover-up to protect the powerful. One user’s quip about “TomboyLustay Senators” captures the cynicism felt by a populace tired of leaders who dodge accountability. The sentiment is clear: this decision does not reflect the will of the majority, who crave justice and truth.

As the next senatorial election approaches, this vote should serve as a litmus test for voters. The 19 senators who chose to bury the impeachment have shown where their loyalties lie—not with the Filipino people, but with a system that sustains their wealth and influence. Meanwhile, the four who stood for accountability remind us that there are still leaders worth supporting. The path forward is clear: vote for those whose principles are beyond reproach, and hold accountable those who hide behind the guise of public service. If the Senate won’t deliver justice, the International Criminal Court may be the only recourse left. Let’s stay vigilant—our democracy depends on it.

(TAMBULI NG BAYAN-Ronnie Estrada) #ImpeachSaraDuterte #supremecourtph #Senado #Kongreso #foryouシ #ICC