CAVITE, Philippines – The Senate’s decision to return the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte to the Lower House is a “blot on the democratic credentials of the Philippines,” according to Peter Murphy, Chairperson of the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP).
Murphy expressed concern over the delay, stating, “The Senate delayed the trial from February, and while it will proceed for now, there is the threat that somehow the House of Representatives could cancel it, or that incoming senators in July will tip the balance.”
The grounds for impeachment – including the alleged misuse of US$10.5 million in discretionary and intelligence funds, unexplained wealth, an alleged murder plot against the President and his family, and betrayal of public trust – are, according to Murphy, “well-founded in fact.”
Leading institutions, such as the Ateneo School of Government and the Makati Business Club, have publicly demanded that the trial proceed. Public opinion surveys further indicate overwhelming support, with 88 percent of respondents favoring the continuation of the trial.
“ICHRP strongly supports the public rallies and cries of the people to press the Senate to do its constitutional duty,” Murphy affirmed. “Clearly, the political elite are failing to uphold the 1987 Constitution, and it is the people who have to make sure it is enforced and that the Vice President is held accountable.”
Party-list and progressive groups held protests at the Senate gate on June 11, 2025, the day after the Senate remanded the articles to the House of Representatives, amplifying their call for Vice President Sara Duterte’s conviction. Murphy emphasized the importance of these demonstrations, adding, “These rallies are democratic assemblies protected by the Constitution and must not be suppressed by the authorities.”
The international community, particularly influenced by US policy, is either ignoring the unfolding situation or observing with “bemusement,” all while continuing to supply weapons, training, and political cover to the Marcos Jr. administration.
“It is long overdue that the international community itself upheld democratic standards and international law in its relations with the Philippines,” Murphy asserted.
He painted a grim picture of the Philippines, describing it as a “rogue state where the rule of law is totally optional, where the state systematically murders and represses citizens who oppose its anti-people and anti-environment policies.”
Murphy cited the ICHRP-sponsored International Observer Mission to the May 12 Mid-Term Elections, which found the elections “deeply flawed, not meeting the international standards for a free and fair election.” He lamented that “the international community again turned a blind eye.”
Murphy concluded by reiterating ICHRP’s long-standing calls: “We repeat our longstanding call for an end to all military aid to this regime, and for the Marcos Jr. government to immediately return to the peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, a forum where the deep social and political problems of the Philippines can be addressed.”
