The Ateneo School of Government (ASoG) has added its voice to the mounting call for the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, underscoring the importance of ethical leadership and constitutional responsibility.
In a statement released Saturday, ASoG declared, “We stand for ethical leadership in public service,” and urged senators to move forward with the impeachment proceedings, warning that failing to do so would be “a dereliction of duty” and an effort to “whitewash” the allegations against Duterte.
The call follows similar appeals from legal and academic communities, including over 100 faculty members from the University of the Philippines College of Law and leading figures from San Beda University Graduate School of Law—such as retired Supreme Court Justices Adolf Azcuna and Jose Vitug.
The Philippine Political Science Association (PPSA) also joined the chorus, calling the Senate’s delay a threat to transparency and accountability. “No public official, regardless of their popularity or influence, is above scrutiny,” the PPSA stressed.
Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives on February 5 on charges including betrayal of public trust, constitutional violations, and corruption. Although the Senate received the Articles of Impeachment the same day, proceedings have been postponed multiple times.
Senate President Francis Escudero said the trial is now expected to begin on June 11, with Duterte given until June 21 to respond—unless extended. However, if the Senate fails to complete the trial before the 19th Congress ends on June 30, it may be deemed “functionally dismissed.”
Duterte has denied all allegations.