The Makati Business Club (MBC), one of the country’s most influential business groups, has urged the Senate to move forward with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte and fulfill its role as an impeachment court.

“The Makati Business Club calls upon the Senate to fulfill its constitutional duty to convene the impeachment court and proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte,” the group said on Monday in a statement sent to the DAILY TRIBUNE.

The MBC said it viewed the matter as a governance concern, a test of public accountability, and a matter of the rule of law.

“If we do not follow the rule of law, how can we expect to attract foreign and even local investors to bring in long-term investments which would lead to the creation of jobs?” the group asked.

Earlier, Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said he initiated a resolution to terminate the impeachment proceedings against the Vice President. Senator Imee Marcos confirmed that several draft resolutions seeking to shelve the articles of impeachment against Duterte were being circulated.

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, however, confirmed that no resolution had been filed to dismiss the impeachment case.

The MBC emphasized the impeachment trial is necessary to hear the evidence and establish whether the charges against the Vice President are valid or not.