We deserve to know the truth; let impeachment trial begin

**media[16660]**Is the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte going anywhere?It seems everyone is growing impatient at the manner by which the Senate leadership is handling the issue.In fact, even Vice President Duterte has expressed willingness to face an impeachment trial so she’ll have the chance to clear her name.The House took the bold step of impeaching the Vice President on allegations of misusing public funds, among other charges.And now that the Articles of Impeachment have been transmitted, it is incumbent upon the Senate to convene as an impeachment court. This is not because she wants it, but more importantly it’s the Senate’s constitutional duty to act as one.This process is both a moral and political necessity to clear once and for all these allegations.The Vice President deserves to be heard and defend herself in the right forum. She was emphatic about this, a powerful statement in a political climate where evasion is often the default response to allegations. If she believes that the Senate trial is the proper venue to defend herself, give it to her. Conversely, if the House of Representatives stands by its accusations, then it must be given the opportunity to present its case.Allegations—especially those as grave as the misuse of confidential public funds—must not remain in the murky world of political maneuvering, media speculation, and the court of public opinion. They must be tested under the intense light of public scrutiny, legal standards, and constitutional process—and this is through the impeachment court.The Filipino people deserve to witness that defense and the allegations against her. We, Filipinos, deserve no less.Delaying or derailing this process is not neutrality. Simply put, this is negligence and abandonment of a constitutional duty. It deepens the already painful divisions among our people. It allows conspiracy theories to flourish. It breeds cynicism. It furthers polarization. And worst of all, it corrodes the people’s faith in the institutions that are meant to protect them.The Senate must understand that by refusing to act swiftly—when the Constitution states that it must act forthwith—it inadvertently signals that political survival matters more than public accountability. But if it chooses courage—if it chooses to sit in solemn judgment as senator-judges—it would be making a historic stand for transparency and truth. It would remind the nation that no one is above the Constitution.Let the senator-judges listen to both sides. Let them scrutinize the evidence, question the motives, and deliberate with the full weight of their oath to serve the Republic. This is not the time for party loyalties or political calculations. The ruling that emerges from such a trial must transcend alliances and ambitions. It must be based on merit—and merit alone.And let the Filipino people watch. Let them hear the arguments, follow the testimonies, and draw their own conclusions. For democracy lives in the hearts of an informed and engaged citizenry, not in back rooms.This moment is larger than one official or one chamber of Congress. This is about proving that our democracy works, that the rule of law is alive, and truth still matters. The Senate must act now—not for Vice President Duterte, not for the House, but for every Filipino who pays taxes, obeys the law, and dares to hope that justice is not only a dream but an assurance of fairness, impartiality, and equity in applying laws.The nation is watching. This impeachment will test the strength of institutions and the sincerity of our leaders’ commitment to truth and accountability.History will judge what the House has done and what the Senate chooses to do next.