Led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), various groups protested before the Senate in Pasay City on July 29 to urge the senators to immediately proceed with the trial of vice president Sara Duterte on the seven articles of impeachment filed against her. The protest coincided with the Senate’s first session after Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s fourth state of the nation address on July 28.

They condemned anew the recent Supreme Court decision declaring the impeachment of Duterte “unconstitutional” supposedly because the House of Representatives violated its own impeachment process. They said that such decisions would only impede the people in holding corrupt government officials accountable.

“It would be absurd and hypocritical for [the senators] to acknowledge President Bongbong Marcos’ Sona statement against corruption while conspiring to dismiss the impeachment trial of Duterte,” Bayan’s statement said. The group also said that postponing the trial would expose the anti-corruption stance of Marcos and lawmakers as a farce.

“It will send a message that elected officials can steal with impunity and simply invoke the new rules laid down by the Supreme Court ruling to evade accountability,” Bayan said.

According to Bayan, the Filipino people are outraged that those in power can abuse their position to squander and plunder public funds without being held accountable. “The Senate will face intense backlash should they maneuver to further derails Duterte’s impeachment,” the group said.

The group called on Filipinos to remain vigilant and to continue speaking out against the collusion of these state institutions to allow Duterte to escape accountability. “Let us condemn this bankrupt system which shields the rich and powerful and undermines all efforts of the people seeking truth, justice, and accountability,” the group concluded.