ILOILO City – The Supreme Court’s decision to halt the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio has stirred sharp reactions among Ilonggos, many of whom see the ruling as a setback to public accountability.
In a landmark ruling, the SC declared the House-approved impeachment complaint “unconstitutional,” citing the one-year prohibition on filing such cases. This effectively prevented the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, from hearing allegations of fund misuse, unexplained wealth, alleged murder plots, and betrayal of public trust against Duterte.
Some Ilonggos, however, believe the trial should have proceeded to allow the Senate to weigh the evidence — particularly on Duterte-Carpio’s controversial P612.5 million in confidential funds.
“Yes, I agree with multiple complaints of fund misuse, unexplained wealth, alleged murder plots, and betrayal of public trust,” said Reydan Gampay. “This clearly shows that she was never fit for the position. She could have used her platform to be the voice of the nation and help her countrymen.”
For Elaisha, the trial could have political consequences. “For me, this is the best action for the senators to take. As of now, Sara has the numbers to secure acquittal, which only gives her fame and a better chance to win in the next election. Looking at what’s happening, people don’t seem to care whether she is guilty or not; even if you present evidence, they will still support her.”
BJ Nobleza also pointed to political undercurrents. “Yes, I somewhat agree that we should proceed with the impeachment trial, especially since the death threats against President Marcos serve as valid evidence for impeachment,” he remarked.
Others were more critical of the SC ruling. “No, I don’t agree with the Supreme Court’s decision,” said Rodney Gonzales. “The impeachment process should have been initiated after the House of Representatives filed its case against Sarah Duterte. This is the problem in the Philippines; we always prolong cases instead of conducting immediate hearings, so they can be resolved quickly.”
Former Kabataan party-list representative Raoul Danniel Abellar Manuel, who endorsed the impeachment complaint in the House, called the decision a “mistake” and a blow to accountability.
“If you are a powerful official, it’s difficult to hold you accountable. But if you are an ordinary person, it’s so easy to trample on you,” Manuel said. “The decision was wrong. The Supreme Court is not perfect. We have the right to question if we see something misaligned with public interest.”
Manuel also accused President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. of hypocrisy, saying that while he speaks of upholding justice, he allegedly shields the powerful from scrutiny.
Regional Administrator Riza Sumalapao of the Samahan ng Defense Force Multiplier stressed that the law must guide such decisions. “When it comes to unconstitutional or constitutional, they should base it on the truth because we don’t hold the law. But the law was provided by God. So, the truth should prevail.”
The backlash was evident on July 28, when progressive groups and activists gathered outside the Iloilo Provincial Capitol during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address to denounce the SC ruling and demand justice./PN
