MANILA, Philippines — Eleven of the country’s most influential business and civil society organizations have issued a powerful joint statement urging the Senate to uphold “honor” and “integrity” as it prepares to try Vice President Sara Duterte. The groups emphasized that the upcoming proceedings are not a discretionary political choice, but a strict constitutional obligation that will test the credibility of the nation’s democratic institutions.
The appeal comes immediately after the House of Representatives formally transmitted the Articles of Impeachment to the upper chamber. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano confirmed that the Senate will officially convene as an impeachment court on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
The joint statement pointed out that under the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the separation of duties between both houses of Congress is absolute. Following the House of Representatives’ decisive 257-25-9 vote to impeach Duterte on May 11, the political choice concluded, and the legal duty shifted.
“Under the 1987 Constitution, once the House exercises its exclusive power to impeach, the Senate assumes the corresponding duty to try and decide the case. This is not a discretionary political choice, but a constitutional obligation.” — Joint Statement of Business and Civil Society Groups
The coalition strongly warned senators against attempting to dismiss the impeachment complaint outright without a full trial, stating that avoiding the process would severely damage public trust in the Senate.
The petition represents a unified front from major commercial sectors, legal watchdogs, and faith-based election groups:
- Business & Financial Hubs: Makati Business Club (MBC), Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX), and the Shareholders’ Association of the Philippines (SharePHIL).
- Industrial & Professional Sectors: Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI), AYC Consultants, and Sy & Partners.
- Civil Society & Judicial Reform: Justice Reform Initiative (JRI), Alliance of Women for Action Towards Reform (AWARE), and the Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order (MRPO).
- Civic Watchdogs: Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV).
The business community highlighted that the trial carries deep macroeconomic consequences. Capital flow, sovereign credit ratings, and long-term economic stability are directly tied to the predictable enforcement of the law.
- The Rule of Law: The groups cautioned that international investors closely monitor how a country handles high-level political crises.
- The Risk of Unpredictability: “When the rule of law appears subordinate to political interests, investor confidence and institutional credibility suffer,” the coalition added, noting that stability depends on consistent adherence to constitutional processes.
Vice President Sara Duterte is facing four distinct articles of impeachment transferred from the House. The charges allege that she:
- Misuse of Funds: Systematically misused confidential and intelligence funds allotted to the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
- Procurement Violations: Bribed and influenced officials to circumvent standard government procurement and auditing guidelines.
- Unexplained Wealth: Amassed unexplained wealth disproportionate to her official government income.
- Security Threat: Plotted to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker Martin Romualdez assassinated in the event that certain political outcomes occurred.
The groups clarified that demanding a trial does not equate to a presumption of guilt. Instead, they frame the Senate trial as the proper legal venue for the Vice President to defend herself transparently.
“It is also the Vice President’s opportunity to answer the allegations, present her defense, and prove her innocence through due process,” the groups concluded.