CITIZENS' movement Konsyensya Dabaw (KD) has urged the Philippine Senate to proceed without delay in conducting the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, stressing the need to uphold due process and the rule of law.
In a statement, KD joined a growing chorus of legal, business, religious, academic, and youth groups calling on senators to fulfill their constitutional duty and move forward with the trial.
Duterte, a former Davao City mayor and vice mayor, is facing impeachment charges related to allegations that have yet to be formally heard.
KD emphasized that the trial is a crucial venue for both sides—the prosecution and the defense—to present evidence, and for the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, to make a fair and informed decision.
“These will strengthen the practice of due process, the rule of law, and the justice system in our country, as well as increase confidence in the Senate,” the group stated. “All these are vital to the well-being and protection of citizens, good governance, and economic development.”
KD added that the outcome of the trial could have far-reaching implications for governance and economic progress, especially in ensuring transparency in the use of public funds, including confidential and intelligence budgets in the 2025 national budget.
They argued that strict adherence to legal procedures in Duterte’s case could set an important precedent for holding public officials accountable.
Citing Davao’s “Dabawenyo Disiplinado” program, KD reminded the public that true discipline includes respect for the justice system.
“Even VP Sara, who claims her impeachment is baseless, will agree that justice mechanisms are precisely avenues to speak and stand for the truth,” the group said, quoting the local slogan: “Ang disiplinadong katawhan adunay kaisog mobarog sa kamatuoran” (A disciplined people dares to stand for truth).
KD also called on Davao-based senators Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa to rise above personal loyalties and political ties during the proceedings.
“We challenge all senators... to behave as statespersons who have integrity and are impartial and discerning,” KD said. “Being ‘disciplined’ means performing your mandate with courage and fairness, especially in the eyes of the youth and future generations.”
Founded in 2016, Konsyensya Dabaw is a Davao City-based civic movement advocating for democracy, good governance, sustainable development, human rights, and justice.
The group staged a rally on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Freedom Park along Roxas Avenue in Davao City to amplify their call.
They invoked Article 11 of the 1987 Constitution, which outlines the accountability of public officers.
The call comes after the Senate voted 18-5 on June 10 to return the articles of impeachment to the House of Representatives, citing alleged constitutional issues in the process, just a day before the trial was scheduled to begin.
However, the House certified on June 11 that the impeachment complaints were compliant with the Constitution.
Vice President Duterte, for her part, said her legal team is preparing a formal response to the Senate Impeachment Court’s summons, as pressure builds for her to directly address the charges. RGL