The chair of a leading business group hopes the Senate would be able to conclude Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial before year-end, warning that prolonging the proceedings into 2027 could distract lawmakers from their legislative duties and scrutiny of the national budget.
Makati Business Club (MBC) chair Edgar Chua welcomed the prosecution’s decision to withdraw three of the four articles of impeachment, saying the move could expedite the trial without compromising fairness.
‘Personally, I think just focusing on one [article], the unexplained wealth, is good. Because otherwise, if you do it one by one, there’s no end,’ Chua said. ‘We want it completed as soon as possible, but in a fair way.’
The prosecution withdrew the three articles, saying it believed the defense had no evidence or witnesses to present on those charges and would instead seek to prolong the proceedings.
The Senate impeachment court accepted the withdrawal, leaving Article 2-which accuses Duterte of accumulating unexplained wealth not declared in her statement of assets, liabilities and net worth-as the sole remaining charge.
The dropped articles involved the alleged misuse of P612.5-million confidential funds in the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, alleged bribery of Department of Education employees, and alleged grave threats against President Marcos, first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Chua said narrowing the case could benefit both the prosecution and Duterte by simplifying the proceedings and allowing the Vice President to defend herself against the remaining allegations.
‘Now, if the Vice President can defend herself, then the better,’ he said. ‘In fact, I think the Vice President should welcome this [dropping of other articles] so the trial will be simpler. Perhaps she also wants this over with.’
The impeachment court is on a three-week recess to give senators time to deliberate on the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027. Hearings are scheduled to resume on Nov. 9 and continue through Nov. 23.
Quality of budget
The business leader said the Senate must give priority to the budget and other pressing legislative measures rather than allow the impeachment trial to extend into next year.
Citing analyses by the People’s Budget Coalition and Roundtable for Inclusive Development, he raised concerns that the proposed spending plan placed heavy emphasis on financial assistance or ‘ayuda,’ while providing insufficient increases for health, education, transportation and infrastructure.
Chua said the quality of the 2027 budget would be crucial to the economy for the remainder of the Marcos administration, particularly amid sluggish government spending. ‘What’s critical [to economic growth] is the 2027 budget. That’s why we should monitor the budget,’ he said.
In May, the MBC called for a ‘fair, impartial, and transparent’ impeachment trial, warning that both the proceedings and their outcome could have significant economic implications.