Wazzup Pilipinas!?
In a searing condemnation that has sent shockwaves across the political landscape, Akbayan Partylist branded the Philippine Senate as a den of cowards following its controversial decision to remand the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte back to the House of Representatives—a move critics say is nothing short of betrayal to the Constitution and to the Filipino people.
“𝗠𝗴𝗮 𝗱𝘂𝘄𝗮𝗴 𝗻𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿!” exclaimed Akbayan Party President Rafaela David in a fiery statement late Tuesday night. “At a time when our people deserve nothing short of decisive action and courageous leadership, their cowardice got the better of them.”
A Senate in Retreat
The tension unfolded as the Senate, in an apparent bid to evade the political storm surrounding Vice President Sara Duterte, voted to adopt Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s amended motion to remand the impeachment complaint—originally filed before the House—to its origin, effectively sidestepping the Senate’s constitutional role in holding public officials accountable.
Dela Rosa initially moved to dismiss the articles outright but later backpedaled, agreeing with Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s suggestion to remand the case instead. The result: a Senate that, to many, chose political self-preservation over constitutional integrity.
“Hindi ito parang online shopping na puwedeng ‘return to sender’ kapag hindi nagustuhan,” David remarked, her words laced with sarcasm and indignation. “This odious act of the upper chamber is an abandonment of their duties. Tonight, they disrespected their oaths and the Constitution.”
The Few Who Stood Their Ground
Amidst the clamor and capitulation, five senators emerged as beacons of courage and conscience, voting against the remand motion. Among them: Senator Risa Hontiveros (Akbayan), Sen. Koko Pimentel, Sen. Grace Poe, Sen. Nancy Binay, and Sen. Win Gatchalian.
“Lima lang ang pumasok sa Senado ngayon para magtrabaho,” David emphasized. “Their outnumbered vote was the principled, correct, and constitutional vote. Sa mga susunod na araw, makikita nilang kasama nila ang taumbayan sa botong ito.”
Their stand, though insufficient in numbers, has ignited a powerful response from civil society—one that threatens to evolve into a full-blown mass movement.
Mobilizing the Masses: The People Will Not Be Silenced
Emboldened by history and driven by a growing sense of urgency, Akbayan Partylist has now called on the Filipino people to take to the streets and demand justice. The group has announced that it will spearhead a major protest on June 11, joined by Tindig Pilipinas, various civil society organizations, and pro-democracy groups.
David issued a chilling reminder to lawmakers: “Nakalimutan yata nilang the 1987 Constitution was born out of the people's outrage over government impunity and the total disregard of the rule of law. Hindi ba sila natatakot sa kapangyarihan ng taumbayan?”
She concluded with a warning that will no doubt echo in the halls of Congress:
“Those who voted to remand the impeachment are a clear threat to our people and to our democratic foundations. Tonight, impunity won. Tomorrow and in the coming days, we take it out to the streets and reclaim what’s ours.”
A Tipping Point in Philippine Democracy?
As the country watches with bated breath, the spotlight turns once again to the Filipino people—the true guardians of democracy. With institutions wavering and accountability on the line, June 11 could mark more than just a protest; it may very well be the beginning of a political reckoning.
Will the voices of dissent echo loud enough to shake the pillars of power? Or will the Senate’s retreat embolden a deeper culture of impunity?
The Wazzup Pilipinas founder asks: Is this the moment the people reclaim their voice—or lose it forever?
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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