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CBCP Urges Senate Action On VP Impeachment, Calls For National Accountability And Moral Engagement
Bishops process at the start of Mass at St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Loboc, Bohol on July 4, 2025. Photo courtesy of CBCP
In a strongly worded pastoral letter released just after their plenary assembly in Anda, Bohol, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) voiced concern over the Senate’s apparent inaction on the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
“We are disturbed by the delay in the Senate in executing the constitutional demand for the impeachment process of the Vice President,” the bishops said in the statement, urging lawmakers to uphold the principles of democratic transparency and accountability.
The bishops acknowledged that impeachment, though often politically charged, serves a vital constitutional function when handled with integrity. “It remains a legitimate democratic mechanism for transparency and accountability in governance,” the letter stated.
Beyond political processes, the CBCP called on Filipino Catholics to resist “moral indifference” by actively engaging in pressing national issues. “We call our faithful to combat moral indifference, listen to all sides with openness, and foster a culture of engaged citizenship rooted in our Christian faith,” they urged.
Expanding the Moral Lens: Gaza and Workers’ Rights
The pastoral letter did not focus solely on domestic politics. The bishops also condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza, particularly decrying what they called the “weaponization of starvation.” They appealed for an immediate ceasefire and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.
“War spares no one and there is no victory in war. The innocent suffer the most,” the bishops said. They encouraged Filipino Catholics to respond with prayer, fasting, and concrete acts of compassion in support of peace.
The CBCP also turned its attention inward, recognizing labor issues that affect many Filipino workers, including those employed within Church institutions. They acknowledged that some workers continue to earn below the living wage and emphasized the need for the Church to lead by example in promoting just employment practices.
“We recognize that justice begins at home,” the bishops wrote. “The Church must lead by example in ensuring fair salaries, benefits, and dignified treatment of workers in our church institutions.”
They urged dialogue between labor sectors, employers, and the government to find fair and sustainable solutions—calling this effort a reflection of Catholic social teaching.
A Call for Solidarity
In closing, the bishops issued a broader appeal for national solidarity and vigilance. They reminded the faithful that social transformation demands participation from all sectors—clergy and laity, citizens and leaders alike.
“In this Jubilee Year, let us enkindle our hope, strengthen our solidarity and remain vigilant in our stewardship of truth, justice, and the dignity of every human person,” the statement concluded.
The pastoral letter serves as both a critique and a call to action, challenging not only political leaders but also everyday Filipinos to take responsibility for building a more just and compassionate society.
“We are disturbed by the delay in the Senate in executing the constitutional demand for the impeachment process of the Vice President,” the bishops said in the statement, urging lawmakers to uphold the principles of democratic transparency and accountability.
The bishops acknowledged that impeachment, though often politically charged, serves a vital constitutional function when handled with integrity. “It remains a legitimate democratic mechanism for transparency and accountability in governance,” the letter stated.
Beyond political processes, the CBCP called on Filipino Catholics to resist “moral indifference” by actively engaging in pressing national issues. “We call our faithful to combat moral indifference, listen to all sides with openness, and foster a culture of engaged citizenship rooted in our Christian faith,” they urged.
Expanding the Moral Lens: Gaza and Workers’ Rights
The pastoral letter did not focus solely on domestic politics. The bishops also condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza, particularly decrying what they called the “weaponization of starvation.” They appealed for an immediate ceasefire and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.
“War spares no one and there is no victory in war. The innocent suffer the most,” the bishops said. They encouraged Filipino Catholics to respond with prayer, fasting, and concrete acts of compassion in support of peace.
The CBCP also turned its attention inward, recognizing labor issues that affect many Filipino workers, including those employed within Church institutions. They acknowledged that some workers continue to earn below the living wage and emphasized the need for the Church to lead by example in promoting just employment practices.
“We recognize that justice begins at home,” the bishops wrote. “The Church must lead by example in ensuring fair salaries, benefits, and dignified treatment of workers in our church institutions.”
They urged dialogue between labor sectors, employers, and the government to find fair and sustainable solutions—calling this effort a reflection of Catholic social teaching.
A Call for Solidarity
In closing, the bishops issued a broader appeal for national solidarity and vigilance. They reminded the faithful that social transformation demands participation from all sectors—clergy and laity, citizens and leaders alike.
“In this Jubilee Year, let us enkindle our hope, strengthen our solidarity and remain vigilant in our stewardship of truth, justice, and the dignity of every human person,” the statement concluded.
The pastoral letter serves as both a critique and a call to action, challenging not only political leaders but also everyday Filipinos to take responsibility for building a more just and compassionate society.
Jul 9, 2025
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