PH’s oldest trade group: Start Sara Duterte impeachment trial
Vice President Sara Duterte impeachment composite image from Inquirer files
MANILA, Philippines — The country’s oldest business institution on Tuesday called on the Senate to “perform their constitutional and moral duty” to immediately commence the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a statement, the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands (CCPI) cited the Constitution which states that if a “resolution of impeachment is filed by at least one-third of the members of the House… trial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed.”
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It also pointed out that the Constitution does not recognize changes in the membership of the Senate, nor does it recognize recess or breaks, especially once it convenes as an impeachment court acquiring automatic jurisdiction over the impeachment case.
“Not to follow the Constitution creates an environment of instability, which impacts negatively on the business community, locally and internationally, and goes against the Chamber’s Economic Compass Pillars 5, particularly Pillar No. 3 on Government and its Compass — ‘Good Governance with 12 Traits,’” the CCPI said in a statement.
“We pray that the members of the Senate will properly and duly perform their Official Duties as mandated by the Constitution,” it added.
The chamber then reminded the Senate that the Philippines is a country governed by the “rule of law and not of men,” adding that the Senate should also not deny the right of Duterte to due process.
The CCPI statement was signed by its president, Jose Luis Yulo Jr.; chair Benigno Ricafort; corporate secretary Ceferino Benedicto; and its treasurer, Paulino Dionisio Jr.
The CCPI is among many organizations — including universities and civil society organizations — that have called on the Senate to immediately convene as an impeachment court especially after it further delayed the presentation of the articles of impeachment against Duterte from June 2 to June 11, 2025.
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Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives by an overwhelming 215 votes last February 5. The verified complaint was sent to the Senate on the same day. However, her case remained pending in the 19th Congress. /das
