To Try or Not to Try?

The Impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is one of the highly anticipated event in our colorful Political landscape.

During the Agenda hosted by Atty. Siegfred Mison and Pastor Gary Galvez this Friday July 18 2025, Bicol Saro Party-List Representative James Mark “Terry” Ridon, mentioned that the fate of Vice President Sara Duterte’s Impeachment will depend on the Senate. Congressman Ridon emphasize that there is a serious basis for the impeachment such as the alleged illegal use of PHP 612.5 Confidential and Intelligence Funds in the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education (DepEd) and the threats to the lives of the President, the First Lady, and the House Speaker. “Mary Grace Piattos, the threats on the lives of the President, the First Lady and the House Speaker, which really are very strong allegations in the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Duterte”.

The Congressman mentioned the use of CIF should be for National Security matters and not on Civilian purposes. He also mentioned one of their priority is a call for high-speed rail in Bicol, and it will generate new jobs and business in the region.

“Vice President Duterte should be tried and convicted. It is basically enough to convict the Vice President after a full blown trial”. Ridon said.

Should the VP be acquitted, Ridon mentioned that she should still perform her mandated duties as the Second highest official of the land.

Ridon stressed that the trial is a Constitutional mandate on the Senate, and that they should try and decide the impeachment. “The right to make motions such as the motion to dismiss is not within the mandate of the Senate” Ridon stated. He added that “irrespective of public opinion, the Senate should try and decide on the impeachment complaint against the Vice President”.

The SALNs ( Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Networth ), bank accounts, deposits and withdrawals can be requested once the trial started, but the Senate Impeachment Court can deny the request.

In terms of the “One year bar rule” , only in the Fourth Impeachment Complaint it can be applied. The First, second and third complaints did not meet the requirements of the “Francisco case” which according to Ridon is to prevent “harassment”. Stating a “limited window or limited power” of the Supreme Court when it comes to “judicial overreach”.

The impeachment trial as said by Ridon a “Political proceeding, it is also a legal proceeding”.

On the topic of a possible issue of warrant of arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, Ridon mentioned that the Government will cooperate through the International Police Organization (Interpol), as clarified by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin that it will not change.

– Gillian Paul Abayon