NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Citizen Watchdog Launches Ahead Of Sara Trial
Photo credit: Cleve V. Arguelles
A coalition of students, lawyers, academics, civil society groups, and concerned citizens has launched a new watchdog initiative aimed at keeping a close eye on the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Called “Bantay Senado,” the non-partisan network was formally introduced on Monday at De La Salle University Manila, with organizers saying the group’s goal is not to determine Duterte’s guilt or innocence but to help ensure that the Senate impeachment trial is conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the Constitution.
“The Senate’s obligation to hold a fair and impartial impeachment trial is a constitutional duty owed to every Filipino,” said Bantay Senado convenor and spokesperson Prof. Cleve V. Arguelles.
Arguelles said the responsibility of senator-judges extends beyond the parties involved in the case and ultimately serves the interests of the Filipino people.
“Through Bantay Senado, we are asserting that the public is the fourth participant in this impeachment trial,” he said.
According to Arguelles, the impeachment proceedings will be a crucial test of the Senate’s commitment to accountability, the rule of law, and constitutional governance.
He emphasized that Filipinos deserve a process that is transparent and evidence-based, with senator-judges making decisions based on facts and law rather than politics or personal affiliations.
The launch gathered political scientists, legal experts, educators, and student leaders to discuss the impeachment process and the importance of public oversight.
Among the speakers was human rights lawyer Atty. Dino De Leon, who said the credibility of the trial will depend not only on the final verdict but also on whether the public views the process as fair and impartial.
“The Senate does not conduct this trial for politicians. It conducts this trial in the name of the Filipino people,” he said.
In the lead-up to the trial, Bantay Senado plans to hold public education campaigns, community forums, and volunteer training sessions across the country. During the proceedings, the group intends to deploy observers, publish daily analyses, and maintain a public scorecard tracking the participation and performance of senator-judges.
Organizers said the initiative seeks to give ordinary Filipinos a meaningful role in monitoring one of the country's most significant constitutional processes while helping ensure that the impeachment trial is conducted openly, fairly, and without delay.
The network currently has more than 350 volunteers nationwide, including students, lawyers, and civic advocates.
Called “Bantay Senado,” the non-partisan network was formally introduced on Monday at De La Salle University Manila, with organizers saying the group’s goal is not to determine Duterte’s guilt or innocence but to help ensure that the Senate impeachment trial is conducted fairly, transparently, and in accordance with the Constitution.
“The Senate’s obligation to hold a fair and impartial impeachment trial is a constitutional duty owed to every Filipino,” said Bantay Senado convenor and spokesperson Prof. Cleve V. Arguelles.
Arguelles said the responsibility of senator-judges extends beyond the parties involved in the case and ultimately serves the interests of the Filipino people.
“Through Bantay Senado, we are asserting that the public is the fourth participant in this impeachment trial,” he said.
According to Arguelles, the impeachment proceedings will be a crucial test of the Senate’s commitment to accountability, the rule of law, and constitutional governance.
He emphasized that Filipinos deserve a process that is transparent and evidence-based, with senator-judges making decisions based on facts and law rather than politics or personal affiliations.
The launch gathered political scientists, legal experts, educators, and student leaders to discuss the impeachment process and the importance of public oversight.
Among the speakers was human rights lawyer Atty. Dino De Leon, who said the credibility of the trial will depend not only on the final verdict but also on whether the public views the process as fair and impartial.
“The Senate does not conduct this trial for politicians. It conducts this trial in the name of the Filipino people,” he said.
In the lead-up to the trial, Bantay Senado plans to hold public education campaigns, community forums, and volunteer training sessions across the country. During the proceedings, the group intends to deploy observers, publish daily analyses, and maintain a public scorecard tracking the participation and performance of senator-judges.
Organizers said the initiative seeks to give ordinary Filipinos a meaningful role in monitoring one of the country's most significant constitutional processes while helping ensure that the impeachment trial is conducted openly, fairly, and without delay.
The network currently has more than 350 volunteers nationwide, including students, lawyers, and civic advocates.
Jun 1, 2026
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