Rallies Outside Senate Unite in Call for VP Sara Duterte’s Impeachment
On Monday, the first day of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, different groups gathered outside the Senate building in Pasay City. Despite their usual political divides, they found common ground: all demanded her impeachment.
Progressive protesters occupied one side of J.W. Diokno Boulevard, while on the other side, behind a barbed wire barrier, stood supporters of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Both factions, though separated by ideology, agreed on one thing: Duterte must face trial.
After a brief standoff with police, the progressive groups pushed through with their program. Their stage bore banners reading “Sara, Litisin, Panagutin” (Sara, Trial, Make Her Accountable!). Chants of “Impeach! Impeach! Impeach, Sara now!” echoed through the area.
The rally coincided with the trial that began at 2 p.m. From time to time, protesters received updates on the proceedings inside the upper chamber.
Inside the Senate, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero was formally elected as presiding officer of the impeachment trial. He was nominated by Senator Panfilo Lacson, despite opposition from Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano and the minority bloc. Twelve senators voted in favor, eight against.
BAYAN Secretary General Mong Palatino stressed that the trial should proceed regardless of who presides. “We believe that the trial should proceed whoever will be the presiding officer. The session today provides a glimpse of what the minority is capable of doing, of delaying the hearing, of disrupting the session. So if the minority is capable of delaying the session, then the people should be ready to condemn the minority,” he told reporters. “The challenge is addressed to all senator judges that the senate trial should proceed.”
While progressives demanded impeachment, a small group of Duterte supporters flashed a banner saying, “No to VP Sara Impeachment. No To Fake Impeachment. No To Political Persecution.”
The progressive program ended past 3 p.m., and they marched back toward the former Manila Film Center. Another group then took the stage, wearing white and red shirts, claiming to be Marcos supporters. They also pushed for Duterte’s impeachment.
“Kung malinis ka, humarap ka sa trial (If you’re clean, face the trial)!” the host shouted. “Wala nang drama, drama, trial na! (No more drama, trial now!)”
The white-clad protesters waved banners that read: “Buksan ang katotohanan! Buksan ang BIR Box!” and “Ako na Magbabayad ng Grab Ni Inday Wala Kasi Siyang Cash on Hand.” (Open the truth! Open the BIR Box! I will pay for Inday’s Grab because she has no cash on hand.) Their program ended after 4 p.m.
Duterte was absent during the formal opening of her trial. Her lawyer, Michael Poa, said the Vice President opted to appear through her legal counsel.
The National Capital Region Police Office said it will remain on full alert as protests are expected to continue. On Monday, the NCRPO recorded a crowd estimate of more than 300.
This is a developing story. Archipelago Times will continue to follow the impeachment trial and the public’s response.