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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Drilon: Senate's biggest test is VP Sara's impeachment trial, not leadership fight

Drilon: Senate's biggest test is VP Sara's impeachment trial, not leadership fight

Published Jun 19, 2026 05:07 pm

At A Glance

  • Former Senate President Franklin Drilon said the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte would be the Senate's biggest test—not the recent leadership crisis that seems to have been resolved following Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian's ascent as Senate chief.
  • The former senator said attempts to conceal evidence or undermine the process could trigger instability similar to the events that led to the ouster then president Joseph Estrada.

The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte would be the Senate’s biggest test—not the recent leadership crisis that seems to have been resolved following Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian’s ascent as Senate chief, former senator Franklin Drilon said.
Vice President Sara Duterte's legal team said the impeachment pre-trial proceedings remain productive despite extended evidence-marking sessions, with both camps working to complete requirements ahead of the scheduled next month. (Manila Bulletin /file)
Vice President Sara Duterte's legal team said the impeachment pre-trial proceedings remain productive despite extended evidence-marking sessions, with both camps working to complete requirements ahead of the scheduled next month. (Manila Bulletin /file)
Thus, Drilon said the Senate must not fail in ensuring that the impeachment trial will occur smoothly, citing the country’s political history particularly the ouster of former president Joseph Estrada.
The former senator said attempts to conceal evidence or undermine the process could trigger instability similar to the events that led to Estrada’s ouster.
“To me, the greatest risk is the failure of the impeachment process, and I base that assessment on political history,” Drilon said in an interview on Thursday, June 18, 2026 on ANC’s Headstart.
The lawmaker recalled that public outrage erupted after senators voted against opening what became known as the “second envelope,” a move widely viewed as an attempt to conceal evidence.
“That prompted an instability which resulted in the change of government. That is what we have to look out for. That is what our senators should be conscious about,” he said.
He warned that any attempt to suppress facts during the impeachment proceedings could provoke a similar public backlash as the people would not stand for concealment of truth, the former senator warned..
"The people would not stand for hiding the truth. In an impeachment trial, the public would like to know the truth, and attempts to hide the truth will not be accepted by our people," said Drilon.
He also added that the speed of information in the age of social media will also make it far more difficult for political leaders to shape public opinion than it was two decades ago.
“That is why we should be careful, because in my opinion, when the people will notice that there is an attempt to hide the truth, especially for personal and political ends, I cannot predict what the people will do,” he said.
Having sat in two impeachment trials in his 24 years as senator, Drilon also offered unsolicited advice on how the Senate should conduct the impeachment trial itself.
First and foremost, Drilon said the Senate should cancel plans of appointing an impeachment manager.
“Because you are supposed to be a collegial body that is impartial. And while an impeachment manager can indeed be impartial, the projection could be different,” he warned Drilon said.
Instead, he suggested allowing Senate Secretary Renato Bantug and existing Senate officials to handle the administrative requirements of the trial.
“We have a clerk of the impeachment court, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug, who is very experienced and very impartial, and will be able to run the administrative needs of the impeachment court,” he said.
And while he congratulates Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian for finally getting elected as the Senate President, he cautioned the latter that the leadership change would not end the political infighting that has gripped the Upper Chamber.
“The bickering will not stop. Let us not kid ourselves. There will be a continuous struggle for the Senate presidency because of the impeachment and the 2028 election,” he said.

Related Tags

Franklin Drilon VP Sara Duterte impeachment proceedings Philippines impeachment trial Senate of the Philippines Senate impeachment court
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