Progressive organizations, including Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan)-Southern Mindanao, Koalisyong Makabayan Southern Mindanao, Kabataan Partylist Southern Mindanao, Gabriela Youth Davao, and allied groups, held a protest mobilization at Freedom Park in Davao City on July 6, 2026. The demonstration coincided with the opening of the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Protesters demand justice and accountability
The protesters called for justice and accountability as the impeachment proceedings against the country's second-highest official formally began. Kabataan Partylist Southern Mindanao issued a statement emphasizing that the impeachment trial is a constitutional mechanism to hold abusive government officials accountable, not merely an attack on the Dutertes. The group stressed that conducting an impeachment trial is a constitutional duty of Filipinos, as sovereignty resides in the people united against corruption and injustice.
Cobia Jan Canda, chairperson of Kabataan Partylist Southern Mindanao, explained that the protest was intentionally held in Davao City due to its political significance. Davao City is the political stronghold of the Duterte family.
Grounds for impeachment
The groups outlined four grounds for impeachment against Vice President Duterte: alleged improper use of Confidential and Intelligence Funds during her tenure as Secretary of the Department of Education, alleged unexplained and undeclared ill-gotten wealth, alleged bribery of Department of Education officials, and alleged threats against high-ranking government officials.
When asked about Duterte's guilt, Canda stated that there are sufficient grounds leading to her impeachment. He noted that Duterte is a Philippine record holder as a twice-impeached Vice President, and the second impeachment complaint is heavier because it has four bases, referring to the House of Representatives' impeachment vote.
Controversy over Confidential and Intelligence Funds
Canda cited the controversy surrounding the Confidential and Intelligence Funds, noting that Makabayan lawmakers and youth representatives had earlier questioned the spending of ₱125 million, which they claimed was spent in 11 days. However, witnesses later testified that the funds were used in just one day. Canda emphasized that as the second-highest official, Duterte is responsible for the unexplained and erroneous spending of public money.
The groups anticipate more protest actions as the impeachment trial progresses, including a major mobilization during the Sona ng Bayan on July 27, which will coincide with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address. The coalition also plans to continue raising issues against the Marcos administration, including allegations of billions and trillions of pesos lost through bogus and ghost flood control projects.
Criticism of the Marcos administration
Canda criticized the Marcos administration over its campaign promises, particularly the pledge of ₱20-per-kilogram rice, which he contrasted with the current price of ₱60 per kilo. He also criticized the alliance with Duterte, stating that while ruling forces are only after political power, a crisis will inevitably unfold.
Regarding President Marcos' foreign trip to Canada, Canda dismissed claims of immediate benefits for Filipinos, citing the lack of immediate solutions amid the growing economic and political crisis. He pointed out that the minimum wage in the Davao Region is only ₱525, and fresh graduates lack opportunities, forcing them to leave the country. He argued that foreign trips by officials do not lead to better projects or services in the Philippines.
Gabriela Youth Davao's stance
Alyssa Ancheta, chairperson of Gabriela Youth Davao, said that Vice President Duterte's impeachment was long overdue. She added that the public should not expect the Senate alone to deliver justice because political divisions among senators could influence the proceedings. Ancheta noted that divisions between senators aligned with Marcos and those aligned with Duterte mean they prioritize their own interests over the people's interests. She called for accountability for everyone involved in corruption and squandering public funds.
Ancheta also cited findings from the Commission on Audit regarding school infrastructure projects. For example, a ₱36 million school in Talaingod was never constructed, and millions of pesos were unreported. In 2023, out of 88 planned school buildings, only three were completed, and those were reportedly substandard.
