Davao City Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang expressed confidence that Vice President Sara Duterte will be acquitted as her impeachment trial progresses. Speaking at the Pulong-Pulong sa Dabawenyos on July 7, 2026, at the Davao City Council, Dayanghirang stated that he does not believe the impeachment case against Duterte is strong enough to secure a conviction.
Council yet to take formal position
Dayanghirang noted that the City Council has not yet passed a resolution expressing support for the vice president, but members are prepared to act if necessary. “We do not want to pre-empt. It will come eventually. So far, we haven't seen any problems,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.
He added that it is still too early for the council to take a formal position. “As far as I'm concerned, it's not yet time. Let's just leave it for now. Let them continue debating it there, and we'll just observe for the time being,” Dayanghirang said.
Senate credibility and respect for senator-judges
Dayanghirang observed that the Senate appeared to be regaining its credibility after the first day of the impeachment proceedings. He urged the public to respect the senator-judges, emphasizing that they were elected by the Filipino people and are duty-bound to uphold the Constitution regardless of political affiliations.
“I have high regard for the senators serving as judges in the impeachment court and continue to pray for them,” he said.
Call for Blue Ribbon inquiry
While the impeachment trial proceeds, Dayanghirang suggested that lawmakers also conduct a Blue Ribbon Committee inquiry into issues involving the Marines and the country's flood control projects. He expressed hope for peace and believed the country will move forward if public officials do what is right.
Trial developments
The Senate convened as an impeachment court on July 6 to begin Duterte's trial. The vice president did not attend the opening proceedings and was represented by her legal team. The senator-judges elected Francis Escudero as presiding officer after adopting several amendments. The impeachment court also issued subpoenas to nine banks for the financial records of Duterte and her husband, while the prosecution outlined its plan to present the four articles of impeachment.
On July 7, Duterte and nine lawyers filed a petition before the Supreme Court of the Philippines seeking to stop the impeachment trial and questioning Escudero's authority to preside over the proceedings.
