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Advocates Philippines
Khonghun: Impeachment Trial Still On
Photo credit: Jay Khonghun
Deputy Speaker Jay Khonghun on Wednesday sought to reassure the public that the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte remains on track despite the ongoing legal battle over the Senate's leadership.
The Zambales lawmaker said concerns about possible delays are understandable, but stressed that the filing of a petition before the Supreme Court does not automatically suspend constitutional proceedings.
“We understand why some Filipinos are worried. Whenever there is a legal challenge involving the Senate, people naturally ask whether the impeachment trial will be delayed,” Khonghun said.
The issue stems from a petition filed by former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano and several allies seeking to overturn the recent leadership changes in the Senate.
In the 87-page petition, the group asked the Supreme Court to issue a status quo ante order that would restore the Senate leadership structure to its composition before June 3. The petition seeks the reinstatement of Cayetano as Senate President, Sen. Loren Legarda as Senate President Pro Tempore, and the return of committee chairmanships and other Senate positions affected by the reorganization.
The petitioners argued that Supreme Court intervention is necessary to stop what they described as “mob rule” and restore stability within the chamber.
However, Khonghun emphasized that filing a petition and suspending a constitutional process are two separate matters.
“The filing of a petition is not the same as the suspension of a trial,” Khonghun said.
He pointed out that the petition itself does not ask the High Court to stop the impeachment proceedings.
“The mere filing of a petition concerning the leadership row in the Senate does not automatically stop the impeachment process. The petition does not even ask for it,” he said.
According to Khonghun, the impeachment process will continue unless the Supreme Court specifically orders otherwise.
“Unless the Supreme Court itself issues an order suspending proceedings, the process continues,” he said.
The deputy speaker also underscored that constitutional duties remain in effect regardless of ongoing political or legal disputes.
“The Constitution does not stop working simply because a case has been filed,” Khonghun said.
“The Constitution remains in force. The impeachment court remains constituted in accordance with the Fundamental Law of the Land. The Constitution still commands that trial proceed forthwith.”
Khonghun urged the public to remain focused on the constitutional process and allow the institutions involved to perform their respective responsibilities under the law.
He stressed that, absent any order from the Supreme Court, the Senate impeachment court remains obligated to carry out its constitutional mandate and proceed with the trial.
The Zambales lawmaker said concerns about possible delays are understandable, but stressed that the filing of a petition before the Supreme Court does not automatically suspend constitutional proceedings.
“We understand why some Filipinos are worried. Whenever there is a legal challenge involving the Senate, people naturally ask whether the impeachment trial will be delayed,” Khonghun said.
The issue stems from a petition filed by former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano and several allies seeking to overturn the recent leadership changes in the Senate.
In the 87-page petition, the group asked the Supreme Court to issue a status quo ante order that would restore the Senate leadership structure to its composition before June 3. The petition seeks the reinstatement of Cayetano as Senate President, Sen. Loren Legarda as Senate President Pro Tempore, and the return of committee chairmanships and other Senate positions affected by the reorganization.
The petitioners argued that Supreme Court intervention is necessary to stop what they described as “mob rule” and restore stability within the chamber.
However, Khonghun emphasized that filing a petition and suspending a constitutional process are two separate matters.
“The filing of a petition is not the same as the suspension of a trial,” Khonghun said.
He pointed out that the petition itself does not ask the High Court to stop the impeachment proceedings.
“The mere filing of a petition concerning the leadership row in the Senate does not automatically stop the impeachment process. The petition does not even ask for it,” he said.
According to Khonghun, the impeachment process will continue unless the Supreme Court specifically orders otherwise.
“Unless the Supreme Court itself issues an order suspending proceedings, the process continues,” he said.
The deputy speaker also underscored that constitutional duties remain in effect regardless of ongoing political or legal disputes.
“The Constitution does not stop working simply because a case has been filed,” Khonghun said.
“The Constitution remains in force. The impeachment court remains constituted in accordance with the Fundamental Law of the Land. The Constitution still commands that trial proceed forthwith.”
Khonghun urged the public to remain focused on the constitutional process and allow the institutions involved to perform their respective responsibilities under the law.
He stressed that, absent any order from the Supreme Court, the Senate impeachment court remains obligated to carry out its constitutional mandate and proceed with the trial.
Jun 17, 2026
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