VP Duterte trial a test of judgement, conscience, duty – Legarda

MANILA, Philippines — Preparing for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte “is not merely a legal exercise,” Sen. Loren Legarda, a four‑term lawmaker who has been part of three impeachment trials, said in a statement on Monday.

“It is a test of judgment, conscience, and institutional duty. I have seen how impeachment trials test the strength of our institutions and the resolve of those who serve,” Legarda said.

“The process must rise above political factions and personal attacks, and focus only on the evidence, the Constitution, and whether the alleged acts warrant conviction,” she added.

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READ: VP trial starts: Escudero presides, sets rules

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Legarda took part in the proceedings against President Joseph Estrada from November 2000 to January 2001, Chief Justice Renato Corona from December 2011 to May 2012, and Vice President Sara Duterte in July 2025.

According to her statement, she manifested during the first day of the trial that the question of who presides over the impeachment court must be resolved with fidelity to the intent of the framers of the 1987 Constitution.

She warned that any departure from the traditional arrangement could place the validity and legitimacy of the trial in doubt, stressing that constitutional design should guide the Senate in exercising its duty.

READ: Impeachment court to tackle slay plot on Day 2 of Duterte trial

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She also placed on record that there is a pending challenge before the Supreme Court involving the June 3 Senate proceedings and Senate Resolution No. 430, including questions on the authority of the body that adopted it.

Legarda clarified that her position in the impeachment court is without prejudice to the final determination of the Supreme Court, affirming that she was not waiving any of her arguments in the case now under judicial review.

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The impeachment court will hold sessions until July 22, before resuming on July 28. /atm

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