Bishops urge Senate to swiftly open VP Duterte impeachment trial

By CBCP News

The Catholic bishops’ leadership on Tuesday, May 12, urged the Senate to immediately convene as an impeachment court for Vice President Sara Duterte, saying delays would threaten justice, weaken democracy and erode public trust.

In a statement, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said senators must fulfill their constitutional duty by proceeding with the trial, hearing evidence and deciding the case based on truth, justice and the rule of law.

“We make this urgent appeal to not delay the trial and to convene the Senate as an impeachment court at the soonest possible time,” said Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, CBCP president.

“To delay the trial is to delay justice for both the Filipino people and the Vice President,” he said.

The bishops warned senators against actions that could be seen as evading sworn constitutional responsibilities or undermining confidence in democratic institutions during a politically sensitive national process.

“You now have this opportunity to restore our people’s faith and confidence in our public institutions that adhere to the rule of law,” the statement said.

The House of Representatives voted Monday to impeach Duterte after securing more than the constitutionally required one-third vote.

The House is expected to transmit the articles of impeachment to the Senate, which is tasked to convene as an impeachment court.

The bishops called on Filipinos to remain vigilant, monitor proceedings and resist misinformation and disinformation surrounding the impeachment case.

“Our deep desire and fervent prayer is that we arrive at the truth through this constitutional process,” the statement said.

Invoking the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, celebrated May 13, the bishops also called for prayer for national leaders, the Church and the Filipino people.