NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Aglipayan Church Urges Senate: Start Duterte Impeachment Trial Now
Photo credit: Aglipayan Church
Leaders of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, also known as the Aglipayan Church, are calling on the Senate of the Philippines to fulfill its constitutional duty and allow the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte to proceed without delay.
In a pastoral statement titled “Let justice flow” issued on May 12, Obispo Maximo Joel Porlares warned that recent political developments are raising serious concerns about accountability in government.
“Our nation is once again confronted with a crisis of accountability that strikes at the integrity of our democratic institutions and the fidelity of those entrusted with public office to their constitutional duty,” the statement said.
The church leaders said the impeachment process, along with ongoing legal questions involving Senator Ronald dela Rosa and the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign, reflects deeper issues of trust in public institutions.
They also pointed to recent changes in Senate leadership, saying these moves have “unsettled many” and raised fears that accountability mechanisms may be weakened or delayed.
“Recent developments and sudden changes in Senate leadership have unsettled many of our people, giving rise to a growing and understandable concern that these moves may be intended to weaken accountability process or shield public officials from scrutiny,” the statement read.
The bishops stressed that public office must never be used as protection from accountability.
“As Church, we hold that public office is a trust and not a shield from accountability. The Senate is not called to protect personalities or political alliances, but to uphold truth, justice, and the rule of law,” the statement added.
They warned that if institutions meant to enforce accountability appear to block it, public confidence in government will continue to erode.
“When institutions entrusted with accountability begin to appear as barriers to it, the moral credibility of governance is eroded,” the statement said.
The church group urged the Senate to act with transparency and courage, and to let both the impeachment and related legal processes move forward without interference or political maneuvering.
“The Senate must decide whether it will serve as a pillar of democratic accountability or risk becoming an altar of impunity where power is protected and justice indefinitely deferred,” the statement said.
The bishops also reminded public officials that authority comes with moral responsibility before both the people and God, and urged citizens to remain alert against disinformation and political manipulation.
They ended the statement by reaffirming the church’s stand for truth and justice.
“The Iglesia Filipina Independiente stands with all who seek truth, defend human dignity, and work for justice and peace,” it said.
In a pastoral statement titled “Let justice flow” issued on May 12, Obispo Maximo Joel Porlares warned that recent political developments are raising serious concerns about accountability in government.
“Our nation is once again confronted with a crisis of accountability that strikes at the integrity of our democratic institutions and the fidelity of those entrusted with public office to their constitutional duty,” the statement said.
The church leaders said the impeachment process, along with ongoing legal questions involving Senator Ronald dela Rosa and the previous administration’s anti-drug campaign, reflects deeper issues of trust in public institutions.
They also pointed to recent changes in Senate leadership, saying these moves have “unsettled many” and raised fears that accountability mechanisms may be weakened or delayed.
“Recent developments and sudden changes in Senate leadership have unsettled many of our people, giving rise to a growing and understandable concern that these moves may be intended to weaken accountability process or shield public officials from scrutiny,” the statement read.
The bishops stressed that public office must never be used as protection from accountability.
“As Church, we hold that public office is a trust and not a shield from accountability. The Senate is not called to protect personalities or political alliances, but to uphold truth, justice, and the rule of law,” the statement added.
They warned that if institutions meant to enforce accountability appear to block it, public confidence in government will continue to erode.
“When institutions entrusted with accountability begin to appear as barriers to it, the moral credibility of governance is eroded,” the statement said.
The church group urged the Senate to act with transparency and courage, and to let both the impeachment and related legal processes move forward without interference or political maneuvering.
“The Senate must decide whether it will serve as a pillar of democratic accountability or risk becoming an altar of impunity where power is protected and justice indefinitely deferred,” the statement said.
The bishops also reminded public officials that authority comes with moral responsibility before both the people and God, and urged citizens to remain alert against disinformation and political manipulation.
They ended the statement by reaffirming the church’s stand for truth and justice.
“The Iglesia Filipina Independiente stands with all who seek truth, defend human dignity, and work for justice and peace,” it said.
May 13, 2026
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