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Advocates Philippines
Law Experts Back Sara Impeachment Push, Adiong Says Senate Must Act
Photo credit: Cong. Zia Alonto Adiong FB
House Assistant Majority Leader Zia Alonto Adiong on Tuesday welcomed the growing support from legal experts backing the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the Constitution “cannot be ignored or delayed” for political reasons.
Adiong made the statement after several law deans, professors, and former jurists publicly urged the Senate to proceed with Duterte’s impeachment trial once the Articles of Impeachment are formally transmitted by the House of Representatives.
“The statement of our respected law deans, professors and legal scholars sends a strong and important message that impeachment is a constitutional process that must be respected and not delayed or undermined for political convenience,” Adiong said.
He stressed that the House has consistently maintained that once the required number of lawmakers approve the complaint, the Senate is constitutionally obligated to move forward with the trial.
“Their position affirms what the House has consistently maintained, that once the constitutional threshold is met, the Senate has the duty to proceed with the impeachment trial forthwith,” he added.
According to Adiong, the support from the legal community reflects growing concern over efforts to stall or derail the impeachment process despite what he described as a clear constitutional mandate.
“These are some of the country’s most respected legal minds speaking clearly on the issue. This is no longer just a political discussion. This is about fidelity to the Constitution, accountability in public office, and preserving public trust in our institutions,” he said.
Earlier, the group of law professors and deans released a statement praising House members who voted in favor of impeaching Duterte. They also reminded senators that refusing to convene as an impeachment court is “not a constitutional option” under Article XI of the Constitution.
The legal experts further warned that public officials who refuse to perform a constitutional duty could face accusations of dereliction of duty. They also pointed out that granting undue advantage to someone not entitled to it may violate the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Among the signatories were retired Supreme Court Justice Adolfo Azcuna, former environment undersecretary Antonio La Viña, and San Beda Graduate School of Law dean Ranhilio Callangan Aquino, along with several professors and deans from universities across the country.
Adiong said the House already fulfilled its constitutional duty when lawmakers approved the Articles of Impeachment and transmitted the case to the Senate.
“At the end of the day, this is bigger than personalities or politics. The Filipino people deserve to see the truth come out through a fair and credible impeachment trial,” Adiong said.
Adiong made the statement after several law deans, professors, and former jurists publicly urged the Senate to proceed with Duterte’s impeachment trial once the Articles of Impeachment are formally transmitted by the House of Representatives.
“The statement of our respected law deans, professors and legal scholars sends a strong and important message that impeachment is a constitutional process that must be respected and not delayed or undermined for political convenience,” Adiong said.
He stressed that the House has consistently maintained that once the required number of lawmakers approve the complaint, the Senate is constitutionally obligated to move forward with the trial.
“Their position affirms what the House has consistently maintained, that once the constitutional threshold is met, the Senate has the duty to proceed with the impeachment trial forthwith,” he added.
According to Adiong, the support from the legal community reflects growing concern over efforts to stall or derail the impeachment process despite what he described as a clear constitutional mandate.
“These are some of the country’s most respected legal minds speaking clearly on the issue. This is no longer just a political discussion. This is about fidelity to the Constitution, accountability in public office, and preserving public trust in our institutions,” he said.
Earlier, the group of law professors and deans released a statement praising House members who voted in favor of impeaching Duterte. They also reminded senators that refusing to convene as an impeachment court is “not a constitutional option” under Article XI of the Constitution.
The legal experts further warned that public officials who refuse to perform a constitutional duty could face accusations of dereliction of duty. They also pointed out that granting undue advantage to someone not entitled to it may violate the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Among the signatories were retired Supreme Court Justice Adolfo Azcuna, former environment undersecretary Antonio La Viña, and San Beda Graduate School of Law dean Ranhilio Callangan Aquino, along with several professors and deans from universities across the country.
Adiong said the House already fulfilled its constitutional duty when lawmakers approved the Articles of Impeachment and transmitted the case to the Senate.
“At the end of the day, this is bigger than personalities or politics. The Filipino people deserve to see the truth come out through a fair and credible impeachment trial,” Adiong said.
May 12, 2026
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