CONGRESS PH FILE

The 1Sambayan Coalition is calling on the Supreme Court of the Philippines to let the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte move forward, stressing the need to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.

In a statement, the group emphasized that impeachment is not meant to persecute, but to ensure accountability among the country’s highest officials.

“Impeachment is not a tool of persecution, but a constitutional mechanism designed to uphold accountability among the highest public officials,” the coalition said. “It is a solemn process where allegations are neither presumed true nor dismissed outright, but are instead tested through evidence and accountability.”

For 1Sambayan, stopping the process too early would prevent the public from knowing the truth.

“To halt such proceedings prematurely is to deny the Filipino people the opportunity to know the truth,” it added.

The group also underscored that the issue goes beyond politics, pointing instead to the strength of democratic institutions. It noted that the Constitution clearly gives Congress the authority to handle impeachment cases to ensure transparency and proper scrutiny of officials facing serious allegations.

“We, therefore, urge the Supreme Court to exercise judicial restraint and to respect the constitutional boundaries between co-equal branches of government,” the coalition said.

Allowing the process to continue, it said, would reinforce public trust in institutions and affirm the country’s commitment to accountability.

“Let the evidence be presented. Let the truth be known. And let justice take its proper course.”

The coalition ended its statement by reaffirming its stance on transparency and democracy, saying, “In unity, we stand for accountability, transparency, and the enduring strength of Philippine democracy.”