VP Sara impeach trial may disrupt economic priorities – Ejercito

Vice President Sara Duterte holds a press conference at the Office of the Vice President in Mandaluyong City on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, days after the House of Representatives moved to impeach her.

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. JV Ejercito is worried that the looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte may disrupt urgent economic priorities, warning that foreign investments may take a backseat as the Senate assumes its constitutional role as an impeachment court.

“Whether we like it or not, it will really affect us,” Ejercito told dzBB yesterday.

“My worry here is foreign direct investments, which we are longing for – these are what bring in businesses – invest in power plants, railway systems, and airports. All of these might have to take a backseat for a while,” he said.

The Senate deputy majority leader stressed that while they can still hold regular plenary sessions at 3 p.m., with the impeachment hearings scheduled in the morning, the national focus may inevitably shift away from stimulating economic growth and job creation.

Despite this, he acknowledged the need to hold a trial as it is the constitutional duty of senators.

He also pushed back against criticisms against the upper chamber and blamed the House of Representatives for supposed delays to the trial.

“They had all the time. Why do it at the last minute?” Ejercito asked, pertaining to the transmittal of the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate in February, two hours before the chamber adjourned.

Ejercito was among the senators who voted to remand the Articles of Impeachment back to the House in June

He reaffirmed his support for Senate President Francis Escudero, saying it would be improper to abandon the current leadership.