MANILA, Philippines — House impeachment trial spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur on Tuesday welcomed the formation of “Bantay Senado,” a newly launched independent citizens’ watchdog group tasked with monitoring the upcoming Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.
Adiong emphasized that the initiative reflects growing public interest in the case, which he previously described as a “litmus test” for Philippine democracy.
Formally launched on Monday at De La Salle University Manila, Bantay Senado is a non-partisan coalition comprising students, academics, lawyers, civil society groups, and concerned citizens.
The coalition, which currently boasts more than 350 volunteers nationwide, plans to conduct public education campaigns, community town halls, volunteer training activities, and rigorous trial-monitoring efforts.
Organizers clarified that they are not seeking to influence the determination of the Vice President’s guilt or innocence, but rather aim to promote public oversight and ensure the proceedings remain constitutional, fair, impartial, and transparent.
Adiong noted that the creation of Bantay Senado arrives at a critical juncture, warning that coordinated disinformation efforts could distort public understanding of the proceedings and weaken long-term confidence in democratic institutions.
“We welcome this initiative because citizens have an important role to play in ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the impeachment process,” he said.
“Napakahalaga ng papel ng mamamayan ngayon dahil hindi lang ito laban ng ebidensya sa loob ng impeachment court. Ito rin ay laban para sa katotohanan sa gitna ng napakaraming misinformation at disinformation (The role of the citizens now is very important because it is not only a fight of evidence inside the impeachment court. It is also a fight for the truth amid so many misinformation and disinformation,” he added.
According to Adiong, citizen-led initiatives that encourage fact-based discussions are crucial to countering false narratives and reinforcing trust in constitutional processes. He added that heightened public scrutiny will ultimately validate the credibility of the trial, regardless of its final verdict.
“At the end of the day, transparency strengthens trust. The more Filipinos understand and follow the process, the stronger our democratic institutions become,” Adiong stated.|
