Palace to Senate: Hear biz groups' call on VP Sara trial

Malacañang hopes the Senate will take into consideration the business community’s call to expedite the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte for the sake of economic stability.

In a media briefing on Wednesday, Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro reiterated President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s position on the ongoing impeachment proceedings.

"Muli, ulitin natin, hindi po kasi manghihimasok ang Pangulo sa proseso sa Senado patungkol po sa impeachment trial," she said.

(“Again, let me reiterate, the President will not interfere in the Senate’s process regarding the impeachment trial.”)

Castro emphasized that business groups have a clear understanding of what’s best for the country’s economy and urged senators to consider their perspective.

"Pero kung iyan po ang nakikita po ng mga nagninegosyo, investors natin sa Pilipinas, eksperto sila sa mga ganitong bagay, kung ano ang mas makakabuti sa ekonomiya," she said.

(“However, if that is what our business community and investors in the Philippines see — being experts in these matters — then it is what they believe is best for the economy.”)

Business groups have warned that prolonged political uncertainty could undermine investor confidence and disrupt economic momentum—concerns that Castro said should not be ignored.

"So, tandaan natin, ang sabi lamang po ng Pangulo, sundin ang Konstitusyon at ang rule of law. So, kung pagpapabilis sa impeachment trial at iyon ang nakikita ng business sector, sana bigyan din po ito ng pansin ng Senado," she added.

(“Let us remember, the President simply said to follow the Constitution and the rule of law. So if the business sector believes expediting the impeachment trial is necessary, hopefully the Senate will give it attention as well.”)

Earlier, the Makati Business Club (MBC) emphasized that the impeachment process is a matter of governance, accountability, and adherence to 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 MBC asked.

The group added that the trial is essential to assess whether the charges against Vice President Duterte are valid.

"The impeachment trial is meant to present evidence to determine if the charges against the Vice President have a basis or not. The senators, individually, and the Senate, as an institution, will betray public trust and deny the Vice President a forum to refute the charges if they do not proceed with the trial," it stated.

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) echoed MBC's stance, expressing concern over the Senate's move to return the articles of impeachment to the House.

"By allowing the trial to proceed, the Senate would affirm its commitment to transparency, accountability, and other principles of good governance — giving the prosecution a fair chance to present its case and the defense a full opportunity to respond and clear the respondent’s name," MAP said.

The group added that the issue goes beyond politics:
"We believe that this matter goes beyond politics — it is fundamentally about good governance and the rule of law."

The Senate voted to return the impeachment complaint to the House of Representatives without dismissing or terminating the articles. The motion passed with 18 votes in favor, five against, and no abstentions.