May 18, 2026, the Philippine Senate officially convened as an impeachment court following the House of Representatives’ transmission of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte. As the senators gathered, they enrobed crimson Oxford robes–a visual signal of the solemn judicial process about to unfold. However, the sudden shakeup of the Senate leadership, and a reshuffling of committees to favor Duterte allies raised a troubling question: were they wearing the robes of justice, or just donning a costume for political theater?
Article XI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides the accountability of the public officials. Section 3 paragraph 4 explicitly mandates that after the initiation and the transmission of impeachment articles, the trial by the Senate shall “forthwith” proceed. In response, the Senate complied with this constitutional rule. However, in reality confusion and suspicion linger among the public. As an independent institution vested with judicial power by the Constitution, the Senate shall set aside political matters at the door. Ironically, before the Articles of Impeachment were transmitted, the Senate reorganised itself for political convenience. The Senate leadership fractured: Former Senate President Vincente Sotto III was replaced by a known Duterte ally—Senator Allan Peter Cayetano. While placing Imee Marcos, Rodante Marcoleta, Christopher “Bong” Go, and Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa in the majority bloc who were noticeable allies of the Dutertes.
It is cynical that as the Vice President’s impeachment case draws near, her allies buckled down—not to shield the constitution, but to protect their own seats and spheres of support. The Senate unveiled deep red maroon robes for Senator-Judges, marking the Senators constitutional duty. These robes shine so bright showing how it symbolize—authority, dignity, sacrifice, and grave responsibility. Yet, the recent political show conveys a counter-message: even the brightest crimson oxford robes can still be overshadowed by the shadow of self-preservation.
This begs a question: are these Senators really living up the profound symbolism of their attire, or are they just wearing it as a costume to cover the truth and conceal political maneuvering. This trial is no longer a legal battle; it is a conflict between the pursuit of truth and the preservation of political interest. Will these Senators conceal the truth for their personal interest, or will they transform themselves from partisan politicians to impartial truth-seekers? As the impeachment proceedings progress, the court must stand firm on what truly matters for the betterment of the nation. For the citizenry, we need to keep the volume of our voices high and share what truly matters to you. We don’t need to be complicit with the politicians, because they are elected to serve, not to be idolized. They should be held accountable regardless of their title, and we don’t need to cover it just to protect their reputation, because doing so is just like erasing the Constitution itself.
We must stand and demand the true and vivid meaning of those robes be honored. The Senate must not wear it as a costume of deceit, but as a garment of honor, integrity and absolute fidelity to the oath they swore.
Wearing those robes as mere costumes costs the justice everyone seeks.
