The VP Impeachment: A Trial Judge By Her BFF

 

A Masscom student was asking his friend.  

Student 1: In the impeachment of VP Sara, why is Lady Justice blindfolded in the Senate of the Philippines?  For sure, it isn't there to ensure impartiality, huh?

Student 2: Isn't it obvious ... she was blindfolded—so she doesn't have to watch what’s about to happen.

Student 1: Or she doesn't want to see Robin Padilla in action - the opposition leader who vowed the opposition is there to oppose every step of the way.

Student 2: Magbulag-bulagan na lang ... kaya nakapiring?

The scenario is bad whichever angle you look ... and as we approach the historic impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, the nation is gripped by a feverish debate. 

On one side, we have "Evidence." On the other side, we have "The Group Chat."

There is a growing "concern" (which is the polite word for "statistical certainty") that the VP will be acquitted. Why?

Because the Senate is currently home to a block of senators who don't just share a political vision with the Dutertes—sila ay #SQUADGOALS.

• The PDP-Laban Trio: Bato dela Rosa, Bong Go, and Robin Padilla.

• The "Guest List": Imee Marcos, Rodante Marcoleta, Cayetano, Estrada, Villanueva, Escudero, and a few others who treat a Duterte endorsement like a sacred relic.

In a court of law, you need "REASONABLE DOUBT." In the Senate, you just need a "REASONABLE number of friends." 

If the trial were a game of Survivor, the VP wouldn't even need to win the immunity challenge; she’s already in the strongest alliance in the history of the show.

The Senate is often called the "Chamber of Conscience." But in 2026, "Conscience" has become a very flexible term, and its definition depends on which direction you are leaning. 

• Definition A: Conscience - Doing what is right for the country.

• Definition B: Conscience - Doing what is right for your 2028 re-election bid.

More so, some of the senators' consciences are on mute button. Even before the evidence is laid bare ... they have already made up their minds.

To the Duterte-allied senators, acquitting the VP isn't "ignoring evidence"—it’s "protecting the legacy." 

It’s hard to find someone guilty of "betrayal of public trust" when you’re too busy trying to remember if you’ve already liked their latest Facebook post.

A brave netizen recently suggested that even if the VP is acquitted, "at least the truth will be out.

The Satire: This is like saying, "Even if the house burned down, at least we found out the stove was on." 

Yes, the truth will be out. It will be sitting there, on the floor of the Senate, looking very lonely while the Senators vote "Not Guilty" and head out for a celebratory dinner in Davao.

We are currently watching a movie where the villain (allegedly) gets caught red-handed, but the jury is made up of the villain’s cousins, their lawyers, and the guy who cuts their hair. 

The "Truth" is just the opening act; the "Acquittal" is the headliner.

The netizen’s hope is that even when the VP won in the eyes of the Senate JUDGES ... we, the voters, will be the "Ultimate JUDGES" in 2028. We are still not sure of that. 

The Reality Check: In the Philippines, the "Ultimate Judges" have a history of having very short memories. 

We are the only people in the world who can be shown 10,000 pieces of evidence of corruption in 2026, and by 2028, we’ll vote for the person again because they have a really catchy jingle they can relate to ... or they gave us a free calendar.

We say we want to vote for our "conscience," but usually, we just vote for the person who looks the best on a tarpaulin.

If the Senate acquits the VP by virtue of "association," they aren't just saving a politician; they are enshrining the Barkada system into the Constitution. 

Or to put it bluntly, they already stamped imprimatur on the beloved syndicate ... have them revered and venerated.

It is early to say, don't expect the Senate to be a courtroom; treat it like a family reunion. 

The evidence is just the "uncomfortable topic". Ignore them because no one wants to talk about it during the meal.