The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called on the Senate to immediately convene as an impeachment court for Vice President Sara Duterte, saying any delay in the proceedings also delays justice.
In a statement released Tuesday, the CBCP underscored the importance of truth, accountability, and constitutional duty, urging senators to proceed with the trial without delay.
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32), the bishops said, as they appealed for a fair and transparent process anchored on the Constitution.
The CBCP noted that the House of Representatives has already voted by more than the required one-third to impeach the Vice President and has transmitted the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate for trial.
“We appeal to the Members of the Senate to abide by what the Constitution directs: to proceed with the trial and to decide the case against the Vice President by summoning witnesses, hearing testimony, and voting according to the evidence and, above all, the demands of righteousness and justice,” the statement read.
The bishops also warned against actions that may be seen as avoiding constitutional duty.
“We urge the Senators to avoid any act that may be perceived as evading their sworn duty or circumventing the requirements of the Constitution,” they said.
They added that the Senate now has an opportunity to restore public trust in institutions.
“You now have this opportunity to restore our people’s faith and confidence in our public institutions that adhere to the rule of law and serve the common good in the pursuit of justice and truth,” the CBCP said.
The bishops further pressed for the Senate to convene the impeachment court “at the soonest possible time,” stressing that delays affect both the public and the official facing the complaint.
“To delay the trial is to delay justice for both the Filipino people and the Vice President,” they said.
The CBCP also called on the public to remain vigilant and participate responsibly in monitoring the proceedings, warning against misinformation and manipulation.
They emphasized that a fair and credible trial is essential to strengthening democratic institutions and upholding the rule of law.
“Our deep desire and fervent prayer is that we arrive at the truth through this constitutional process, with the hope that this will strengthen our respect for and adherence to the rule of law, a key pillar of a genuine and stable democracy,” the statement added.
The CBCP also asked the faithful to pray for national leaders and institutions, invoking the intercession of Our Lady of Fatima.
Photo courtesy of CBCP News
Comments