Senators on Monday urged Filipinos to vote wisely in the 2025 midterm elections, as the incoming Senate is expected to convene as an impeachment court for Vice President Sara Duterte when session resumes on June 2.
Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said the outcome of the senatorial race carries major political implications, noting that the newly elected senators will immediately be involved in Duterte’s impeachment trial.
“We are facing an impeachment trial against Vice President Duterte. That’s why I urge the voters to vote wisely,” Estrada said in a radio interview.
Estrada, who previously served as an impeachment judge, said while legal background is helpful, it is not required. “This is a numbers game. This is a political issue, not just a legal one,” he added.
Senator Joel Villanueva echoed the call for careful voting, emphasizing that the new senators will take on dual roles as lawmakers and judges in the impeachment process.
“Our job this time is no joke because we all know there is an impeachment trial,” he said. “Our focus will not only be on legislating but also on fulfilling our constitutional duty in the impeachment court.”
He underscored the need for integrity and adherence to due process, noting that the Senate’s broader responsibilities include budget deliberations, treaty ratifications, and oversight of government agencies.
“Serving the nation is not a business, not for fame, but a responsibility,” Villanueva said.
Vice President Duterte faces an impeachment complaint over allegations of misuse of public funds and remarks made during an online address in November 2024, where she allegedly threatened the lives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
A two-thirds vote, or 16 of the 24 senators, is required to convict an impeached official. The results of the May 12 polls will determine whether the incoming Senate will tilt in favor or against the embattled vice president.