By Renne Roquiestas
MANILA — A civic organization is pushing for the establishment of a “people’s court” to independently review evidence if the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte proceeds to trial in the Senate.
Jaime Regalario, head of Kilusang Makabansang Ekonomiya, said the initiative would bring together retired justices, members of the clergy and academics to analyze developments in the case.
Speaking at a forum in Quezon City on March 21, Regalario said the group is currently consulting with bishops and priests about forming the panel.
He said the proposed public tribunal would conduct its own proceedings alongside the Senate hearings, potentially even holding sessions outside the legislative grounds.
According to Regalario, the group plans to obtain copies of evidence that will be presented during the Senate trial and discuss them publicly.
The objective, he said, is to ensure that different sectors of society can examine the information and understand the issues involved.
“This effort allows citizens to follow the proceedings closely and evaluate the evidence themselves,” Regalario explained.
He also said the group hopes to involve retired members of the judiciary, including a former chief justice, in the initiative.
Responding to criticism that the move might resemble a “kangaroo court,” Regalario said the plan is meant to promote transparency and public oversight.
“The public has the right to know the truth. If the Senate’s findings are correct, that will be clear. But if not, people must be able to raise concerns,” he said.
Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Dino de Leon, who is assisting the impeachment complainants, said more evidence may soon surface.
De Leon noted that impeachment proceedings allow investigators to compel testimony and access financial records that are normally protected by bank secrecy laws.
He said reports from the Anti-Money Laundering Council and other financial documents may be presented to strengthen the allegations.
“If questionable financial transactions are established, the Vice President will need to prove they were legally obtained. If she cannot explain them, that could justify conviction,” De Leon said, urging the public to evaluate the case based on evidence rather than political preferences.
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