The Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) has expressed deep concern over the postponement of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, warning that any delay in the process equates to a delay in justice.

KMP chairperson Danilo Ramos, one of the complainants in the impeachment case, called upon the Senate to act with urgency and integrity, emphasizing that “justice delayed is justice denied.” The peasant group urged lawmakers to ensure a transparent and prompt resolution to this critical issue, as the Filipino people deserve swift action on matters of national significance.

“Given the gravity of the charges against Duterte, the public insists that the impeachment trial must proceed without unnecessary delay. Postponing the trial could hinder the pursuit of justice and further diminish public confidence in the political system. We urge the Senate to convene a special session to initiate the impeachment proceedings immediately, ensuring that justice is served in a timely and transparent manner.”

The impeachment trial, initially set to take place earlier, has been postponed to June 2025, a decision attributed to the Senate’s legislative schedule, which only resumes after the midterm elections. Senate President Francis Escudero’s announcement of the delay has raised concerns that the prolonged process could erode public trust in democratic institutions.

The impeachment of Duterte was endorsed by 215 members of the House of Representatives and later gained further backing, with a total of 240 lawmakers supporting the move. The case against her includes serious allegations, such as plotting the assassination of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., engaging in large-scale corruption, and misusing confidential government funds. These accusations highlight a pattern of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, bribery, and other high crimes.

Several key events have led to Duterte’s impeachment. In July 2023, the Commission on Audit (COA) reported that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) under Duterte had spent Php125 million in confidential funds within just 11 days, sparking widespread scrutiny. In March 2024, Duterte attended a rally organized by allies of controversial fugitive preacher Apollo Quiboloy, calling for the resignation of President Marcos Jr. By June 2024, she resigned as Education Secretary but continued to serve as Vice President. The controversy deepened in November 2024 when a Zoom briefing allegedly revealed Duterte ordering an assassination plot against President Marcos and his family. This revelation reportedly came from within the House detention room of her Chief of Staff, Zuleika Lopez.

Following these developments, three separate impeachment complaints were filed against Duterte in December 2024 by civil society groups, progressive organizations, and members of the clergy, all citing extensive corruption and abuse of power. On February 5, 2025, the House of Representatives formally impeached VP Duterte with overwhelming support, forwarding the case to the Senate for trial. ###