Tindig Pilipinas is urging the Senate to begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, calling on Senate President Chiz Escudero to stop delaying the proceedings. The group, which includes several impeachment complainants and Congresswoman-elect Leila de Lima, held a press conference on Wednesday to voice their demand for action.
Randy Delos Santos, one of the complainants, said families who suffered during the drug war deserve justice. “Our families have already endured ‘tokhang.’ We hope the impeachment complaint against the Vice President doesn’t suffer the same fate. The people are hoping for the truth to come out,” he said.
Delos Santos emphasized that the Senate has a constitutional responsibility to act on the impeachment articles filed before them.
Father Joel Saballa, representing another group of complainants, added his frustration. “Stop dribbling the ball. Don’t treat us like fools. Move the process forward,” he said.
Tindig Pilipinas member Francis “Kiko” Aquino Dee shared that the group continues to organize activities to pressure the Senate into action. One of these is a planned vigil from June 10 to 11 outside the Senate, where supporters will gather to demand the trial begin.
Congresswoman-elect Leila de Lima addressed reports of a draft resolution by Senator Francis Tolentino that seeks to dismiss the impeachment complaint. While she acknowledged the senator’s right to file resolutions, she said dismissing the case would be unconstitutional.
She explained that the Constitution outlines four essential purposes for impeachment: holding public officials accountable, protecting the democratic process, ensuring no procedural blocks delay justice, and reinforcing impeachment’s place within the country’s constitutional framework.
“This is not an ordinary bill that expires with Congress. The Senate must act on it, regardless of timing,” she said. “We cannot give up without a fight. Senators, this is not a game. You are not spectators. You are the court. Start the trial.”
Akbayan Partylist President Rafaela David criticized the rumored resolution and took aim at Senator Tolentino. “He’s about to leave the Senate, but he’s still causing damage. If the Senate supports this dismissal, they risk public backlash.”
The panel repeated its call for the public to participate in activities scheduled for June 9, 10, and 11 to show support for the impeachment process and apply pressure on the Senate to proceed.
The press conference featured Congresswoman-elect Leila de Lima, ML Representative Sylvia Estrada Claudio, Tindig Pilipinas convenor Kiko Aquino Dee, Father Flavie Villanueva (SVD), and Father Joel Saballa.