The Senate today, July 6, will commence impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, a proceeding that ACT Teachers Representative and Deputy Minority Leader Antonio Tinio described as a test of accountability in a political system besieged by corruption scandals.
Tinio underscored that “all evidence and witnesses must be presented” to ensure the accused is confronted with the charges against her.
He asserted that strong evidence exists against Duterte on graft, bribery, and betrayal of public trust, pointing to the alleged misuse of ₱612 million in confidential funds, undeclared assets suspected to be ill-gotten wealth, bribery of Department of Education officials, and threats to kill political opponents.
The trial unfolds against a backdrop of intensifying political crisis. Recent revelations include corruption in flood control projects, alleged kickback schemes involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and the complicity of senators themselves in questionable dealings. Tinio warned that any attempt to suppress testimony or evidence would undermine the integrity of the process.
“This is not merely a legal process but also a political one,” Tinio said, noting that senator-judges often vote based on political alignments and public opinion rather than the strength of evidence.
“Therefore, we must push harder for the truth to be revealed and for the people’s voice to be heard. The people are the true judges.”
Tinio emphasized that regardless of the outcome, the trial must expose systemic corruption.
“If conviction is achieved, this advances accountability for all those implicated. If sufficient votes are not secured, it demonstrates how those in power protect one another,” he declared. “Everyone—whether Marcos or Duterte—involved in corruption must answer to the people.”
ACT Teachers clarified that support for impeachment does not equate to support for President Marcos Jr.
“The entire system is corrupt and must be transformed,” Tinio concluded. # (ZIA LUNA)
