Atty. Ruphil Bañoc

“Hindi siya ‘yung dapat sumagot sa mga katanungan na ibinabato sa kaniya ngayon, mukhang hindi siya really that qualified at sumasablay-sablay ‘tong tao na ‘to.” Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo, a member of the majority bloc, on witness National Bureau of Investigation Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc. In English, “sumasablay” can mean to fail or to miss. “Napakyas” in Cebuano. This best describes the testimony of the prosecution’s second witness in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

On June 30, 2026, the Palace was caught by surprise by the gathering of people at EDSA. As of this writing, the rally has been transferred to Liwasang Bonifacio. Chiefly, the rally is focused on the flood-control issue and the rumored arrest of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta. It has drawn participants from the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) and concerned Filipinos. Supporters of Senator Marcoleta raised a valid question, and one cannot blame them for being furious. Why focus on Marcoleta?

The impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte have now entered a critical phase. With the House Committee on Justice finding probable cause last Wednesday, the process moves closer to the plenary where one-third of its votes are needed to transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate for the second time. Then trial in the impeachment court shall proceed forthwith. But even at this stage, we notice that the process has already evolved into something more than a legal exercise.