NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Bantay Impeachment Launched Ahead Of VP Sara Duterte Trial
Photo credit: Claret School of Quezon City
A broad coalition of civil society organizations, religious groups, legal experts, academics, youth leaders, and democracy advocates formally launched the “Bantay Impeachment” citizen watch campaign in Quezon City on Saturday, calling for public vigilance as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte approaches.
Held at Claret School in UP Village, the initiative seeks to encourage Filipinos to actively monitor the impeachment proceedings and push for a fair, transparent, and credible trial before the Senate impeachment court, which is expected to begin on July 6.
Opening the event, Rev. Victor Sadaya, school director of Claret School of Quezon City, emphasized that impeachment should be viewed not only as a legal process but also as a crucial mechanism for democratic accountability.
“We are gathered at a decisive moment for our democracy,” Sadaya said, noting concerns that political disputes and maneuvering could affect the constitutional process.
He stressed that accountability directly impacts ordinary Filipinos, arguing that public funds lost to corruption translate into fewer resources for schools, hospitals, and social programs.
“Accountability is not optional. It is the lifeblood of democracy,” he said.
The campaign was launched weeks after the House of Representatives approved the impeachment of Duterte, with the articles of impeachment later transmitted to the Senate. The Senate subsequently convened as an impeachment court, with trial proceedings tentatively set to begin on July 6.
Organizers said Bantay Impeachment aims to educate the public about the impeachment process through forums, community discussions, watch parties, and grassroots engagement activities. The group also plans to monitor developments related to the proceedings and counter misinformation through various educational and media initiatives.
Among the activities outlined by organizers are daily online discussions following trial sessions, social media explainers, public forums, citizen vigils, and mobilizations intended to keep the public informed and engaged.
In a video message, San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza encouraged participants to treat the campaign as an active search for truth rather than a passive exercise.
“Keeping watch is not passive. Keeping watch is to actively seek the truth,” Alminaza said, adding that public attention should extend beyond what happens inside the Senate chamber.
He urged supporters to transform the impeachment proceedings into a broader movement promoting transparency, justice, and accountability.
Prof. David Michael San Juan, one of the conveners of Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot, said the campaign reflects growing public interest in examining the evidence and ensuring that allegations of corruption are properly addressed.
Meanwhile, House prosecutor and Manila Rep. Joel Chua attended the launch and explained that the upcoming pre-trial proceedings would establish the framework for the impeachment case, including evidence, witnesses, and the order of presentation.
According to Chua, the prosecution panel is simply seeking an opportunity to present its evidence before the public through a fair and transparent process.
Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co also encouraged citizens, particularly young people, to go beyond simply watching the trial and instead critically analyze the issues being discussed.
She said public participation is essential to ensuring that impeachment remains a democratic process in which citizens actively engage rather than merely observe.
Organizers said Bantay Impeachment will continue its education, monitoring, and advocacy efforts before and throughout the Senate trial, with the goal of helping ensure that the proceedings remain transparent, accountable, and responsive to public interest.
Held at Claret School in UP Village, the initiative seeks to encourage Filipinos to actively monitor the impeachment proceedings and push for a fair, transparent, and credible trial before the Senate impeachment court, which is expected to begin on July 6.
Opening the event, Rev. Victor Sadaya, school director of Claret School of Quezon City, emphasized that impeachment should be viewed not only as a legal process but also as a crucial mechanism for democratic accountability.
“We are gathered at a decisive moment for our democracy,” Sadaya said, noting concerns that political disputes and maneuvering could affect the constitutional process.
He stressed that accountability directly impacts ordinary Filipinos, arguing that public funds lost to corruption translate into fewer resources for schools, hospitals, and social programs.
“Accountability is not optional. It is the lifeblood of democracy,” he said.
The campaign was launched weeks after the House of Representatives approved the impeachment of Duterte, with the articles of impeachment later transmitted to the Senate. The Senate subsequently convened as an impeachment court, with trial proceedings tentatively set to begin on July 6.
Organizers said Bantay Impeachment aims to educate the public about the impeachment process through forums, community discussions, watch parties, and grassroots engagement activities. The group also plans to monitor developments related to the proceedings and counter misinformation through various educational and media initiatives.
Among the activities outlined by organizers are daily online discussions following trial sessions, social media explainers, public forums, citizen vigils, and mobilizations intended to keep the public informed and engaged.
In a video message, San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza encouraged participants to treat the campaign as an active search for truth rather than a passive exercise.
“Keeping watch is not passive. Keeping watch is to actively seek the truth,” Alminaza said, adding that public attention should extend beyond what happens inside the Senate chamber.
He urged supporters to transform the impeachment proceedings into a broader movement promoting transparency, justice, and accountability.
Prof. David Michael San Juan, one of the conveners of Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot, said the campaign reflects growing public interest in examining the evidence and ensuring that allegations of corruption are properly addressed.
Meanwhile, House prosecutor and Manila Rep. Joel Chua attended the launch and explained that the upcoming pre-trial proceedings would establish the framework for the impeachment case, including evidence, witnesses, and the order of presentation.
According to Chua, the prosecution panel is simply seeking an opportunity to present its evidence before the public through a fair and transparent process.
Kabataan Party-list Rep. Renee Co also encouraged citizens, particularly young people, to go beyond simply watching the trial and instead critically analyze the issues being discussed.
She said public participation is essential to ensuring that impeachment remains a democratic process in which citizens actively engage rather than merely observe.
Organizers said Bantay Impeachment will continue its education, monitoring, and advocacy efforts before and throughout the Senate trial, with the goal of helping ensure that the proceedings remain transparent, accountable, and responsive to public interest.
Jun 15, 2026
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
