We, the undersigned Filipino citizens and supporters of democratic accountability, respectfully call upon the Senate of the Philippines to designate a presiding officer for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte whose impartiality is beyond question.

The forthcoming impeachment trial is one of the most significant constitutional proceedings in recent Philippine history. Its legitimacy depends not only on compliance with legal procedures but also on the confidence of the Filipino people that the process is fair, independent and free from political influence.

Many Filipinos have expressed concerns regarding former Senate President Francis Escudero's role in matters relating to the impeachment proceedings. Whether these concerns are ultimately justified is not the central issue. The issue is public trust.

In proceedings of such national importance, justice must not only be done; it must be seen to be done.

For this reason, we respectfully submit that Senator Escudero lacks the moral authority necessary to command the confidence of all sides in this impeachment trial. The Senate should therefore consider appointing a presiding officer whose neutrality is more widely accepted by the public.

This petition is not an attempt to prejudge the guilt or innocence of Vice President Duterte. Nor is it an attack on Senator Escudero as an individual. Rather, it is a call to protect the credibility of the impeachment process and strengthen public confidence in the rule of law.

The Filipino people deserve an impeachment trial that is conducted fairly, transparently and under leadership whose impartiality is beyond reasonable doubt.

Accordingly, we respectfully urge the Senate to appoint a neutral and broadly trusted presiding officer for the impeachment proceedings.

Call to Action
Sign this petition if you believe:

✅ Public trust is essential to a legitimate impeachment trial.

✅ Justice must be seen to be done.

✅ The Senate should avoid even the appearance of bias.

✅ The impeachment process should strengthen, not weaken, confidence in democratic institutions.

Sign and share.

For fairness. For transparency. For the integrity of the impeachment process. 🇵🇭