Malaya USA joins Filipinos across the U.S. and around the world in condemning today’s move of the Philippine Senate to “archive” the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte. This Senate decision effectively kills the impeachment trial and ignores the Filipino people’s widespread demand to hold her accountable for charges of massive corruption of public funds and abuse of her office. Legal loopholes and procedural technicalities have been abused by the majority pro-Duterte Senate to protect the interests of the oligarchic political dynasties.

“The Supreme Court has betrayed the Filipino people. Filipinos want Sara to go on trial and be held accountable for corruption, for betrayal of public trust and yet our supposed political leaders, these majority Duterte appointed Supreme Court Justices, have exposed themselves as equally corrupt and disgraceful. Our democracy has been disregarded by the very people who are meant to protect it. Shame.”

Tabs, Malaya Movement USA

The unconstitutional maneuvers of opportunist senators to dismiss Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial before it even begins are the latest shameful and absurd example of how corrupt the political system is in the Philippines. Laws are treated by the ruling political dynasties as if they are merely ‘optional’ rules that can be bent or disregarded at their whim, to serve their own selfish interests.

Just days after thousands rallied for Sara Duterte’s impeachment, including Malaya Movement USA members, the House of Representatives finally took action. With 215 votes, two-thirds of the House endorsed Sara’s impeachment, more than enough to move the proceedings forward to the Senate for an impeachment trial and another round of votes. We urge the Senate to act swiftly and realize the will of the people.