The General Alliance of Workers Association (GAWA) has vehemently criticized the Senate’s decision to send the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte back to the House of Representatives, branding the move as a betrayal of democracy and a clear effort to protect powerful political figures.
GAWA secretary-general Wennie Sancho denounced the decision as “a mockery of democracy” and accused the majority of senators of prioritizing political interests over justice and accountability.
“The Senate has forfeited its legitimacy and trust. We, the people, can no longer rely on this institution to uphold the rule of law and protect our rights,” Sancho said.
On Tuesday, June 10, the Senate, acting as an impeachment court, voted 18-5 with no abstentions to remand the complaint to the House for further certification of its constitutional compliance before proceeding with the trial.
This decision effectively delays the impeachment process against Duterte, who faces serious allegations, including betrayal of public trust and corruption.
Sancho singled out the 18 senators who voted in favor — including Senate President Chiz Escudero, Alan Peter Cayetano, Ronald dela Rosa, Imee Marcos, and Ramon Revilla, Jr. — calling them unfit to serve as senator-judges.
Sancho described their actions as “wolves in sheep’s clothing,” using their positions to shield the powerful from scrutiny.
He went further to demand their impeachment and removal from office for betraying the Filipino people and undermining democratic principles.
The five senators who opposed the motion were Risa Hontiveros, Koko Pimentel, Nancy Binay, Grace Poe, and Sherwin Gatchalian, standing against what they viewed as a stalling tactic that undermines the pursuit of justice, the GAWA secretary-general said.
The impeachment complaint against the vice president, filed earlier this year and supported by over 200 lawmakers, alleges involvement in corrupt practices and grave misconduct, including conspiracy to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
The Senate’s decision to remand the articles to the House stems from questions about whether the complaint meets constitutional requirements, particularly regarding the timing and frequency of impeachment proceedings.
While the Senate has issued a writ of summons to Duterte, who is currently abroad, the trial cannot proceed until the House certifies the complaint’s constitutional compliance.
This procedural hurdle has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups, who warn that the delay undermines the country’s democratic institutions and erodes public trust.
Sancho urged the Filipino people to remain vigilant and demand greater accountability from their leaders.
“Let us not allow this mockery of justice to be perpetuated by these pretenders using their legislative power by wearing the garb of sanctity,” he said.
The controversy highlights the deep political divisions in the country and raises concerns about the Senate’s role in ensuring transparency and justice.
As the impeachment process remains stalled, the nation watches closely to see how the House of Representatives will respond to the Senate’s directive./JB, WDJ