Statement on the Impeachment Trial of The Vice President

14 May 2026 – The formal transmittal by the House of Representatives of the Articles of Impeachment against the Vice President initiates a solemn constitutional process intended to uphold accountability, due process, and the rule of law.

We, the undersigned organizations, respectfully call on the Senate of the Philippines to fulfill its constitutional duty to convene as an Impeachment Court and conduct a fair, impartial, and transparent trial based on the evidence and the law.

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.

Any refusal to convene the Impeachment Court, or any attempt to dismiss the case without hearing the evidence, will undermine the rule of law and weaken the trust in the Senate as a key democratic institution.

For the business community, the implications are significant. Economic stability, investment, and long-term growth depend on credible institutions and consistent adherence to constitutional processes. When the rule of law appears subordinate to political interests, investor confidence and institutional credibility suffer.

We likewise emphasize that a proper impeachment trial is not a presumption of guilt. It is also the Vice President’s opportunity to answer the allegations, present her defense, and prove her innocence through due process.

At this critical moment, we urge the Senate leadership and all Senators to uphold their sworn duty to the Constitution by:

1. Convening the Impeachment Court without delay;
2. Ensuring a fair and credible trial;
3. Hearing the evidence of both sides; and
4. Rendering judgment solely on the basis of the Constitution, the law, and the evidence.

The legitimacy of democratic institutions rests on their consistent fidelity to constitutional mandates, especially under conditions of political pressure. We call on our Senators to exercise their mandate with honor, integrity, and unwavering regard for their oath of office.

JUSTICE REFORM INITIATIVE (JRI)

ALLIANCE OF WOMEN FOR ACTION TOWARDS REFORM (AWARE) AYC CONSULTANTS (AYC, FORMERLY WALLACE BUSINESS FORUM)

FEDERATION OF PHILIPPINE INDUSTRIES (FPI)

FINANCIAL EXECUTIVES INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES (FINEX)

MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (MAP)

MAKATI BUSINESS CLUB (MBC)

MOVEMENT FOR RESTORATION OF PEACE AND ORDER (MRPO)

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL FOR RESPONSIBLE VOTING (PPCRV) SHAREHOLDERS’ ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (SharePHIL)

SY & PARTNERS (SYP LAW)