120-group coalition launches ‘Bantay Impeachment,’ urges for public oversight of proceedings

A coalition of 120 civic groups, academics, and religious organizations launched a nationwide campaign, the “Bantay Impeachment”, on June 13, highlighting the essence of public participation in monitoring the proceedings.

The initiative is anchored on grassroots education and engagement, impeachment monitoring and strategic communications, and citizen mobilization for the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, Manila Rep. Joel Chua, along with prosecution panel spokesperson Rep. Renee Co, attended the kickoff and conveyed their support for the initiative.

In a joint statement, Tama Na, Kilusang Bayan Kontra Kurakot convenor and Makabayan coalition member France Castro convinced the public to closely monitor the proceedings, emphasizing that impeachment is not only a political contest but a constitutional mechanism designed to uphold public accountability.

“When public funds are misused and public trust is betrayed, it is ordinary citizens who suffer the consequences through inadequate social services, poor governance and deepening corruption,” their statement read.

Further, the groups involved stated that they would hold community forums, campus discussions, daily trial explainers and fact-checking initiatives, while mobilizing supporters for rallies on July 6, the opening day of the impeachment trial.

As the preparations for the Senate trial continue, Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua highlighted that the House panel may not need to present all four articles of impeachment if a single article is already strong enough to secure a conviction.

“Depending on our assessment, if after one, two, or three articles we believe our evidence is already strong, we may no longer need to present all four articles,” he said.