A newly formed citizen-led watchdog group is calling for an impartial and evidence-based impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, stressing that the outcome should rest solely on the strength of evidence rather than political considerations.
Speaking on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos on Tuesday, political analyst Cleve Arguelles said ‘Bantay Senado’ — a network of volunteers composed of legal experts, students, academics and professionals — aims to monitor the conduct of senator-judges throughout the impeachment proceedings.
“Gusto natin na maging patas at walang kinikilingan o impartial yung magiging daloy ng buong paglilitis doon sa ikalawang Pangulo.”
“Wala namang particular na senador na talagang nakafocus lang nating bantayan kundi lahat po ng mga senator judges.”
Arguelles emphasized that the group maintains a non-partisan stance and does not advocate for either conviction or acquittal.
“Non-partisan po yung ating Bantay Senado. At sa ngayon po, ang aming panawagan ay bantayan po yung buong proseso. Wala pong posisyon na dapat ay may sala o ipawalang-sala ng ating mga senador, si VP Sara.”
He added that the outcome of the trial should reflect the quality of the evidence presented.
The group also warned against premature judgments, urging lawmakers to keep an open mind as the trial unfolds.
“Kung ngayon pa lang, may hatol na sila, na convicted na o acquitted na, baka maapektuhan po yung proseso.”
Bantay Senado plans to engage the public through community discussions, simplified daily summaries of proceedings, and “watch venues” where citizens can follow the trial live.
It also intends to release a public scorecard evaluating the performance of senator-judges, prosecutors and the defense panel.
Arguelles cited public interest in the proceedings, noting survey results showing a majority of Filipinos support holding an impeachment trial, even if they have not taken a position on the outcome.
“By all means, kung ma-acquit, mako-convict, at least matutuldukan na yung mga alegasyon din kay VP Sara. ”
The group also expressed concern over possible delays or disruptions in the Senate, warning that political developments could affect the timeline of the trial.
“Interrupted yung impeachment trial kay dating Pangulong Joseph Estrada. So may worries na baka mamaya hindi po makompleto yung buong proseso,” Arguelles said, pointing to past impeachment cases that were either interrupted or unsuccessful.
Despite these concerns, Bantay Senado said its primary role is to ensure transparency and accountability, reminding lawmakers that the public is closely watching.
“Mabuti talaga na may bantay Senado para alam po ng ating mga Senador na hindi lang naman nanonood yung ating mga mamamayan.”
“Sila binabantayan po nila na hindi pwede nga yung pangamba natin na baka mamaya meron pong delays, baka may sabotage or obstruction doon sa mismong impeachment trial.”
