The influential Makati Business Club (MBC) and the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) called on the Senate to remain non-partisan in the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, warning that pursuing political interests could further damage public trust in the institution.

In a statement last Sunday night, May 24, MBC said senators must prioritize long-term democratic stability over the “short-term political survival” that comes with having a preconceived bias toward the impeachment process.

The MAP, in a statement issued yesterday, urged senators to restore the credibility of the Senate.

“The Senate of the Philippines has convened as an impeachment court to try Vice President Sara Duterte – a solemn constitutional duty that demands the highest degree of public trust and institutional credibility. It now undertakes this responsibility at a difficult moment, amid deep political divisions and widespread public outrage over the erosion of confidence in the Senate.”

MAP called on the senators “to take every step necessary to restore the credibility of the Senate and strengthen public faith in the impeachment process.”

“We respectfully urge the consideration of a peaceful and principled realignment in Senate leadership that will place the proceedings on the firmest possible foundation of impartiality and fairness,” MAP said.

It added: “A Senate leadership that is widely regarded as objective and above partisan interest will help safeguard not only the rights of the accused and the integrity of the House prosecutors, but also the legitimacy of the Senate as an institution entrusted with constitutional responsibility.”

“At this critical moment, we urge our senators to remain steadfast in their fidelity to the Constitution, uphold the highest standards of institutional integrity, and demonstrate the credible and principled governance that the Filipino people deserve,” MAP President Donald L. Lim said.

The MBC, for its part, said: “At this important moment, we encourage senators to remain guided by the Constitution, uphold institutional responsibility, and keep the broader national interest at the center of the process.”

“History will judge you by your actions during this critical period,” the business group stressed.

MBC, which comprises the country’s leading business leaders, issued the appeal more than a week after chaos erupted in the Senate building involving Senator Ronald dela Rosa.

Dela Rosa is being pursued by authorities over the warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his involvement as the chief architect of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs campaign.

MBC said the unprecedented drama “severely damaged” the credibility of the Senate as an institution, especially at a crucial time when the upper chamber is preparing to hold impeachment hearings over Duterte’s case.

Duterte was impeached for the second time by the House of Representatives last May 11 over her alleged graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and other high crimes.

Under the Constitution, the Senate has the sole power to try and decide all cases of impeachment. No person shall be convicted without two-thirds of all members of the Senate agreeing.

The Senate is scheduled to begin the impeachment trial on July 6.

“MBC respectfully reminds all our senators that you were elected by the people to serve the people and not pursue personal, political, or business interests,” the business group said.

In particular, MBC identified Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano as the person who most needs to remain non-partisan at all times, given that he represents the Senate as its institutional head and legal representative.

As Senate President, Cayetano will be the presiding officer of the impeachment proceedings.

“Restoring the credibility and integrity of the Senate as an institution rests to a large extent on the Senate President, who serves as a moral compass, administrative guardian, and public face of the institution,” the business group said.

“If the public perceives the Senate President as purely partisan, does not possess the necessary independence and moral ascendancy, public confidence in the institution is eroded,” it added.

Cayetano, a known supporter of Duterte, had earlier said the impeachment court would be “fair and independent,” noting that the senator-judges would decide the case based on evidence.