- Raises concerns about charges against some senators judges
By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY — Vice President Sara Duterte’s spokesperson, Salvador Paolo A. Panelo Jr., said discussions about replacing the Vice President are premature, saying the focus should remain on issues surrounding her impeachment.
In a statement on Thursday, October 29, Panelo questioned whether the Senate Impeachment Court could deliver a fair decision.
Panelo raised concerns about possible criminal charges against some senators, the lowering of the required votes for conviction, and alleged violations of Duterte’s right to due process.
He also criticized the Senate majority over the prosecution’s withdrawal of three impeachment articles, saying the move wasted government time and public funds.
Panelo cited a Social Weather Stations survey released on October 22, which found that 28% of Filipinos trusted the Senate to make a fair decision on Duterte’s impeachment case, while 35% expressed little trust. The Senate received a net trust rating of -7.
The survey was conducted from September 21 to 27, before the Senate impeachment court dropped Articles I, II, III, and IV on October 13. Article II, which concerns alleged unexplained wealth, remains in effect.
Panelo also said replacing Duterte would not solve the country’s economic problems, including rising prices, threats to food security from Super El Niño, and the peso’s continued decline.
The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the economy grew by 2.3% in the second quarter of 2026, down from 2.8% in the first quarter.
Panelo accused the administration and its allies of prioritizing political interests over addressing the problems faced by ordinary Filipinos, such as the high cost of living and the country’s economic challenges.
