Cayetano Says Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial Should Not Be Rushed
SARA DUTERTE – With three impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte withdrawn, Cayetano says the Senate should take its time and ensure that due process is upheld.
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano has called for a fair and deliberate impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing that the proceedings should not be rushed despite the prosecution’s decision to withdraw three of the four Articles of Impeachment.
Speaking on Tuesday during the 39th day of the trial, Cayetano pointed out that the Constitution does not impose a specific deadline for completing an impeachment proceeding. He said the Senate could take additional time to ensure fairness while addressing other pressing government concerns.
“We can finish this in January, we can finish this in February. We can take a break tomorrow and focus on the budget. It is our choice. Kung ako masusunod, unahin natin ang budget–may super El Niño, hindi pa tapos ang flood control investigation,” he said.
“It’s in the best interest of everyone that there’s fairness and we take our time. There’s no time limit. Who is saying that we have to finish this by November?”
Although Cayetano acknowledged his desire to conclude the trial, he expressed discomfort with prioritizing its completion over deliberations on the proposed 2027 national budget.
“I want it finished. But between finishing it tapos may unfairness, and finishing it na unahin ‘to kesa sa budget—Mr. Presiding Officer, Mr. Senate President, you know I’d like to put on record, I’m very uncomfortable with that. I think it will be a disservice to the Filipino people,” he added.
The Senate impeachment court approved the House prosecution panel’s request to withdraw Articles I, III and IV. These provisions involved allegations of confidential fund misuse, bribery and grave threats, respectively.
Cayetano questioned the prosecution’s approach, arguing that it could have proceeded directly to Article II, which concerns allegations that Duterte accumulated unexplained wealth. He suggested that this approach might have avoided unnecessary government expenses after 38 days of proceedings.
“So, kung baga sa suntukan, sinuntok niyo na ‘yung defense, then sasabihin niyo to save time, ‘wag na kayong gumanti. And then sasabihin ‘yung platform ang gagamitin,” Cayetano said.
He stressed that fairness and due process must remain central to the proceedings, regardless of the eventual verdict.
“Kahit anong mangyari dito—acquit or convict—may matutuwa, may magagalit. But history will judge us whether or not ‘yung elementary fairness and due process,” Cayetano said.
For Cayetano, ensuring justice and protecting the interests of the Filipino people should take precedence over meeting an arbitrary deadline.
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