An alliance of business organizations, foreign chambers, and civil society groups is pushing the Senate to act on the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte, ramping up pressure from the private sector to fulfill its constitutional duty.

The Justice Reform Initiative (JRI), which advocates for the rule of law and an independent judiciary, stated that no one is above the Constitution—no matter how powerful.

“No one, especially our elected senators, should make a mockery of the Constitution by substituting partisan politics for the rule of law,” the group said in a statement signed by its president Jose Jerome Pascual III.

JRI acknowledged that while the impeachment case against Duterte could be “potentially precarious” to her political career, it also serves as the best opportunity to prove her innocence.

To recall, the country’s second highest official was impeached in February by the House of Representatives on the grounds of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.

“Any attempt by the Senate to remand, defer, or dismiss the Articles without trial is not merely irregular, it is unconstitutional,” said JRI.

The business group said there are only two outcomes in an impeachment trial—acquittal or conviction.

It emphasized that there is “no room for avoidance, no constitutional basis for indefinite deferral, even during transition to the 20th Congress”.

The Senate, acting as an impeachment court, faced criticism after it moved to return the articles of impeachment against Duterte to the lower chamber, citing the need to address supposed constitutional infirmities.

The House opted not to receive the articles of impeachment until the Senate provides clarification to the queries posed by the prosecution panel.

“Public office is a public trust. It is not a refuge from accountability. Thus, to demand answers from our public servants is neither excessive, nor uncalled for because they are answerable to us,” JRI said.

The group added that senators must now “seize the moment” to serve the public and affirm their constitutional duty.

“We call on them to rise above political loyalty, display their patriotic zeal, and respect their oath of allegiance to the Constitution and the rule of law,” it said.

Based on its website, JRI’s membership roster includes the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX), and the Makati Business Club (MBC), among others.

The mentioned business clubs have separately issued statements urging lawmakers to proceed with the impeachment case.

The private sector fears that derailing the constitutional process could foster instability in the country, which may dissuade investments and economic growth.