ASEANEWS HEADLINE-VP Du30’s IMPEACHMENT | MANILA: ‘People’s court’ eyed in Sara impeachment
Vice President Sara Duterte conducts a press conference in Mandaluyong on February 18, 2026./ STAR / Miguel de Guzman
Some House members dismayed over VP Sara’s answer to impeachment raps | GMA Integrated News
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MANILA, Philippines — A group is planning to convene a “people’s court” composed of former justices, clergy and members of the academe if the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte reaches the Senate for trial.
Jaime Regalario, chairman of Kilusang Makabansang Ekonomiya, said the proposed body would run parallel to Senate proceedings to present and assess evidence from the perspective of the public.
“We are discussing with some bishops and priests the creation of a people’s court. While hearings are ongoing in the Senate, we will also conduct proceedings, even outside the gates if needed,” he announced during a media forum in Quezon City yesterday.
Regalario said the group aims to secure copies of evidence once these are disclosed during the Senate trial and present the same before the public tribunal.
“The difference is that our process represents sectors of society, with mass participation. Whatever conclusions we reach, even if these differ from the Senate, we will bring these to the people to clarify the issues,” he added.
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Regalario said they are also seeking to invite retired magistrates, including a former chief justice, to take part in the proceedings.
“It is our right to know the truth. This is a form of vigilance to ensure the public remains aware of what is happening in the Senate. If the Senate fails to be resolute, there will still be a venue to present evidence and facts,” he stressed, in response to concerns that the initiative could be seen as a “kangaroo court.”
“If we are wrong, the Senate will tell us, but if they are wrong, we will mobilize to tell them that they are wrong, so there will be balance,” Regalario noted.
Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Dino de Leon, part of the legal team of the impeachment complainants, said more evidence will be presented in the coming days.
“There will be evidentiary facts that will come out. We intend to subpoena officials because impeachment proceedings are an exception to bank secrecy laws,” De Leon said.
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He added that financial records, including reports from the Anti-Money Laundering Council, may be used to support allegations.
“If these transactions are proven, the burden shifts to the Vice President to show that these were legitimately acquired. If she cannot explain them, that would be sufficient basis for conviction,” he said.
“Let us look at the evidence, regardless of political leanings. Our loyalty should be to the country, not to any single personality,” he urged.
The House committee on justice has found sufficient grounds to proceed with hearings on the third and fourth impeachment complaints against the Vice President, setting the start of formal proceedings on March 25.
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