HOWIE SEE IT: Unconstitutional and Immoral Senate

By Atty. Howie Calleja

Recent events surrounding the Senate’s handling of impeachment proceedings expose a deeply disturbing trend: the blatant prioritization of political loyalty, family dynasty, and personal gain over the fundamental principles of public service and constitutional duty. Senate President Escudero’s leadership has overseen a deliberate obfuscation of clear constitutional mandates, treating this impeachment as unprecedented despite a clear history to the contrary. The calculated avoidance of a trial on the merits isn’t merely reckless; it’s a blatant invitation to constitutional crisis and a profound disgrace to the institution itself.

Seeing the disregard for accountability, checks and balances, justice, and equality is shockingly obvious. Accusations of active evidence suppression and the complete obstruction of the impeachment trial are grave, suggesting a deliberate subversion of democracy. This echoes past controversies, but those pale in comparison to the alleged scale of this current obstruction. The non-opening of a single envelope once sparked outrage; the alleged systematic suppression of evidence and complete shutdown of the trial demands far more forceful action.

This raises critical questions about the Senate’s integrity and its leadership’s commitment to the Constitution. The claim that previous impeachments followed a more just and transparent process starkly highlights the unprecedented nature of this blatant disregard for due process. The perceived bias—rooted in political loyalty, familial ties, and self-interest—threatens to unravel the very foundations of our democratic governance.

A call to action is urgent and unavoidable. We must stand against the suppression of evidence and the blatant obstruction of the impeachment trial. This is not mere rhetoric; it is a direct challenge to the citizenry to confront the disregard for constitutional principles and due process. The erosion of public trust in the Senate, a pillar of democratic accountability, is already underway. This path sets a dangerous precedent, jeopardizing future attempts to hold public officials accountable and ultimately threatening the very fabric of our democracy.

This blatant disregard for the rule of law cannot be allowed to stand. The Senate’s actions represent a profound failure of leadership and a betrayal of the public trust. It is not only unconstitutional — it is highly immoral. Silence in the face of such a blatant power grab is complicity. Citizens must demand accountability and a return to the principles of justice and fairness that underpin a functioning democracy. The fight for transparency and justice is far from over; now is the time for citizens to make their voices heard.