MANILA – Senators on Monday underscored the high stakes of the 2025 midterm elections, warning that the incoming Senate would be immediately thrust into a politically charged impeachment trial involving Vice President Sara Duterte.

“We are facing an impeachment trial against Vice President Duterte. That’s why I urge the voters to vote wisely,” Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, a former impeachment judge, said in a radio interview.

Estrada said that while being a lawyer is an advantage in impeachment trials, it is not required so long as senators are willing to learn and consult legal experts.

“This is a numbers game. This is a political issue, not just a legal one,” he added.

Senator Joel Villanueva echoed Estrada’s sentiments, emphasizing that the incoming senators will have to juggle their legislative duties and constitutional role as impeachment judges.

“Hindi biro yung trabaho namin this time dahil alam nating lahat (na) may impeachment trial (Our job this time is no joke because we all know that there is an impeachment trial),” he said. “Hindi lang pagiging legislator o paggawa ng batas ang ating pagtutuunan ng pansin kundi ang pagiging miyembro ng impeachment court (Our focus will not only be on being a legislator or making laws, but also on being a member of the impeachment court),” he said.

Villanueva said the Senate must uphold integrity, transparency, and the constitutional due process in the proceedings.

He also reminded incoming senators of the Senate’s broader mandate, including budget crafting, legislative oversight, treaty ratification, and institutional accountability.

“Public office is a public trust. Ang pagsisilbi sa bayan ay hindi negosyo, hindi para sumikat, kundi isang responsibilidad (Serving the nation is not a business, not for fame, but a responsibility),” he said.

Congress is scheduled to resume session on June 2, when the Senate is expected to formally convene as an impeachment court.

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