The Philippine Senate Impeachment Court is set to undergo a significant step with the presentation in evidence of Vice President Sara Duterte’s bank and tax records. This petition calls for Senator Cayetano to inhibit or recuse herself from participating in further proceedings for deliberately and maliciously posting on her Facebook page a spliced video that misrepresented the statements of Congressman Chel Diokno during the trial.

The video in question falsely depicts that the prosecution had no evidence in asking to subpoena the vice president's bank and tax records. The spliced video falsely shows that Congressman Diokno admitted to Senator Allan Peter Cayetano that the prosecution was just taking a chance (“nagbabasakali”) that they will find evidence through the subpoena, when in truth and in fact Congressman Diokno made that statement to explain what a “fishing expedition” is as opposed to when there is evidentiary basis in filing a case. https://fb.watch/IBUpO0Z_X6/?mibextid=wwXIfr&fs=e

Such actions undermine the transparency and fairness expected in an impeachment proceedings. The integrity of the trial is at stake, and the promise of impartiality is compromised when a senator judge resorts to manipulative actions that patently shows her bias in favor of one party.

What makes Senator Pia Cayetano’s actions egregious is that she was present and actively participated in the proceedings when Congressman Diokno made the misrepresented statements. This is deliberate and malicious manipulation and misrepresentation of the truth!

The role of a senator judge is designed to be unbiased and based on the merit of evidence, not on distorted narratives. To ensure that justice is not only done but is also seen to be done, it is crucial for Senator Cayetano to step aside. This will help maintain public confidence in the Senate's ability to conduct a fair and impartial trial.

The impeachment of a sitting vice president is a rare and serious endeavor in the political landscape of the Philippines. Ensuring that all participants exhibit the highest ethical standards is not a mere prerequisite—it's a necessity. Let's hold our leaders accountable to the high standards they have sworn to uphold.

Join us in urging the Senate Impeachment Court to take immediate action and demand Senator Pia Cayetano's inhibition or recusal. Let us protect the sanctity of our democratic processes by ensuring that justice is not compromised by partiality or misconduct.

Please sign this petition now to advocate for a fair and unbiased impeachment trial. Your voice is powerful and can make a difference in upholding the integrity of our impeachment process. Together, we can ensure justice is served properly and transparently.