Raul Lambino, a senatorial hopeful from the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP-Laban), has voiced skepticism about the impartiality of an impeachment trial for Vice President Sara Duterte. With the Senate potentially filled with her political rivals from the upcoming 2028 presidential race, Lambino fears bias could jeopardize fairness.
“It’s undeniable that several senators have ambitions for the presidency in 2028, and the Vice President is perceived as a significant hurdle to their goals,” Lambino remarked in a recent statement.
Pointing to Section 7, Article 11 of the Constitution, Lambino underlined the consequences of impeachment: ousting from office and disqualification from holding any future public office, along with potential legal proceedings.
Lambino, who doubles as a lawyer and a law professor at both the University of the East College and the University of Pangasinan, previously held impactful roles such as the CEO of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority. He stresses that VP Duterte ranks as a formidable contender for the 2028 election, rivaled only by figures like Senator Raffy Tulfo, as suggested by recent surveys.
“The Vice President is still seriously pondering a presidential bid,” Lambino noted, speaking of Duterte’s potential candidacy.
Furthermore, Lambino highlighted the political advantages for certain senators if VP Duterte were disqualified, recalling historical precedents such as the 2001 scenario where a vice-presidential vacancy led to a new appointment following Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s ascension to the presidency.
Many current senators have previously aspired to higher offices. Senate President Francis Escudero and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano altered their presidential bids in favor of vice-presidential spots in 2016, while other notable figures like Panfilo Lacson and Manny Pacquiao campaigned for the presidency in 2022.
Additionally, it is suggested that prominent businessman William Gatchalian intends for his son, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, to seek the presidency or vice presidency in 2028, with potential collaboration with Senator Risa Hontiveros.