Senate pauses impeachment trial to honor Eala’s historic WTA title

Kenth Zyre Hiyan

The impeachment court took a back seat as the Senate paused its proceedings for a couple of minutes to unanimously congratulate Filipino tennis star Alex Eala, August 4.

The commendation follows Eala’s historic victory at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.C. where she became the first Filipino to secure a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour-level singles championship. 

Before the twelfth day of the impeachment trial officially commenced, Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero led the chamber in recognizing Eala’s feat, emphasizing that the achievement transcended the political division inside the courtroom.

“Magkakaiba man ang ating pananaw at bagaman magkakatunggali ang magkaibang panig dito sa impeachment court, may mga bagay na dapat pinagkakasunduan at pinagkakaisahan natin… At para sa akin, ang isa po rito ay ang tagumpay at kampeonato ng ating magaling at magiting na kababayan na si Alex Eala,” Escudero said. 

Escudero then formally extended the greetings on behalf of the entire chamber including the opposing legal panels. 

“Kaya’t sa ngalan ng senado, sa mga senator-judges, mga kawani ng senado… Sa ngalan ng mga magkatunggaling partido ng impeachment trial, nais po namin ipabatid ang aming nagkakaisang pagbati kay Binibining Alex Eala… Tunay na ikinararangal at ipinagbubunyi ka naming lahat. Congratulations,” he announced. 

Eala tied the title by recovering from a one-set deficit to defeat world No. 3 Jessica Pegula, 4–6, 6–4, 6–0. 

She dominated the latter portion of the match, winning 10 of the final 13 games en route to the biggest victory of her career. 

The landmark victory not only secured Eala’s maiden WTA Tour singles title but also propelled her to a career-high World No. 20, cementing her status as the highest-ranking Filipino athlete in WTA history.

Following Escudero’s tribute, the session hall immediately transitioned back to its scheduled proceedings, resuming the 12th day impeachment trial.