Manila: House impeachment trial spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur on Tuesday welcomed the launch of 'Bantay Senado,' acknowledging the citizens' crucial role in helping the assurance of having a transparent, fair and accountable impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte at the Senate.
According to Philippines News Agency, Adiong said the formation of a citizens' watchdog ahead of the Senate proceedings demonstrates the growing public interest in a case he earlier described as a 'litmus test' for Philippine democracy. Bantay Senado, a non-partisan coalition of students, academics, lawyers, civil society groups, and concerned citizens, was formally launched Monday at De La Salle University Manila.
"We welcome this initiative because citizens have an important role to play in ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the impeachment process," Adiong stated. He noted that Bantay Senado comes at a crucial time amid an information environment increasingly shaped by social media, livestreaming platforms, and artificial intelligence.
Adiong emphasized the significance of the public's involvement, stating, "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." He has repeatedly warned that coordinated disinformation efforts could undermine public understanding of the proceedings and weaken confidence in democratic institutions.
He further commented that citizen-led initiatives encouraging public engagement and fact-based discussions can help counter false narratives and strengthen trust in the constitutional process. Adiong added that public scrutiny would help reinforce the credibility of the impeachment proceedings regardless of the outcome.
"At the end of the day, transparency strengthens trust. The more Filipinos understand and follow the process, the stronger our democratic institutions become," Adiong concluded. Bantay Senado currently has more than 350 volunteers nationwide and plans to conduct public education campaigns, community town halls, volunteer training activities, and trial-monitoring efforts ahead of and during the impeachment trial.
Organizers stated their intention to monitor the impeachment proceedings to ensure that the trial is conducted in a constitutional, fair, impartial, and transparent manner. They clarified that their goal is not to determine the guilt or innocence of Duterte but to promote public oversight and understanding of the impeachment process.
