Citizens’ Alliance urges SC to reverse Duterte impeachment ruling

A broad coalition of concerned citizens, civil society leaders, academics, and church groups trooped to the Supreme Court on Tuesday, asking it to reconsider its controversial decision junking the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the ruling undermines constitutional mechanisms designed to ensure accountability from the country’s highest officials.

The Taong Bayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado (TAMA NA) network alliance and Bayan Muna submitted a letter to the High Court on 5 August, signed by more than 100 individuals and organizations, including professors, faith leaders, health workers, and student councils from across the country. They described the Court’s decision as a dangerous overreach that could set a precedent for future impunity.

“The impeachment case involves serious allegations, and the public deserves transparency and truth—not silence,” said Mong Palatino, former youth representative and TAMA NA convenor. “This is not just a legal issue. This is about public accountability, about fighting corruption, about ensuring that those in power answer to the people.”

The alliance, Palatino said, opposes the Supreme Court’s decision to stop the trial, supports the motion for reconsideration filed by Congress, and demands that the Court hold public oral arguments to allow ordinary Filipinos to hear the full range of legal and constitutional arguments at stake. He stressed that only through such transparency can trust in democratic institutions be restored.

They also warned that the Court’s interpretation of the Constitution—particularly the one-year ban on filing multiple impeachment complaints—could be exploited by political allies of impeachable officials. They argued that filing a weak or preemptive complaint could trigger the one-year ban and shield officials from real accountability.

“We must not allow technicalities to silence legitimate grievances,” said Palatino. “It can’t be just the lawyers and congressmen making the decisions. The people must be allowed to hear the arguments. Oral arguments will help clarify the stakes for ordinary Filipinos.”

The group asserted that the Constitution clearly mandates the Senate to immediately conduct an impeachment trial once the House approves the Articles of Impeachment with the required vote. They said the Supreme Court’s imposition of additional procedural hurdles not found in the Constitution disrupts this clear mandate and risks eroding public confidence in both the judiciary and the political process.

Signatories to the letter include Prof. David Michael San Juan of TAMA NA, Sr. Geraldine Denoga of the Daughters of Charity, as well as representatives from Gabriela, the Health Alliance for Democracy, and numerous youth and student organizations. Palatino said the coalition will continue gathering signatures and expanding public awareness around the issue.

Palatino said that it isn’t just about VP Sara Duterte—it is about protecting the Constitution, asserting the people’s right to demand accountability, and making sure corruption doesn’t go unanswered.