No Dismissal: Hontiveros Insists on Trial for VP Duterte

By Inday Marisol | June 30, 2025

Hontiveros Rejects Motion to Dismiss, Says Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial Must Proceed

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday firmly opposed the motion to dismiss the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the trial must proceed to protect the integrity of democratic checks and balances.

Hontiveros, a consistent voice for accountability in public office, made her stance clear following calls from some lawmakers and allies of the administration to terminate the case before it reaches trial. The impeachment case, which accuses Duterte of grave abuse of power and misuse of confidential funds, has drawn both national and international attention.

“The impeachment process exists for a reason. It is our constitutional duty to listen to the evidence and allow the proceedings to move forward fairly and transparently,” Hontiveros said in a press briefing at the Senate.

A Push for Transparency and Accountability

The senator emphasized that no official should be above scrutiny, especially when public funds and public trust are at stake. While she declined to discuss the details of the accusations during the pre-trial phase, she reiterated the importance of letting the process take its full course in the Senate.

“Shutting down the case before the facts are laid out undermines the very essence of accountability,” she added.

Hontiveros’ position comes amid growing political pressure and visible tension between the House of Representatives and the Senate regarding the impeachment procedure. Earlier this month, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. offered to mediate between the two chambers — a move Senator Chiz Escudero also turned down, stressing the independence of legislative functions.

Support and Resistance

While progressive blocs and civil society groups praised Hontiveros’ position, Duterte allies dismissed the case as “politically motivated.” House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez had earlier expressed support for the motion to dismiss, saying it would “help the government move forward from distraction.”

The Vice President, meanwhile, has consistently denied any wrongdoing, labeling the impeachment case a “desperate political attack” intended to weaken her public standing.

What’s Next

With the motion to dismiss now under Senate review, it will require a full vote if the trial is to be halted. However, with lawmakers like Hontiveros taking a firm stance in favor of transparency, the impeachment trial appears poised to push forward into its next stage.

If allowed to proceed, this will be the first full impeachment trial faced by a sitting vice president in nearly two decades, marking a critical test for Philippine democratic institutions.

Sources

  • Senate Press Office, June 19, 2025
  • GMA News, Rappler, and other reports
  • Official Senate transcripts of Hontiveros’ press briefing
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