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CBCP Urges Senate To Move Fast On Duterte Impeachment Trial
Photo credit: CBCP
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called on the Senate to immediately convene as an impeachment court and proceed with the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, warning that any delay could weaken public trust and undermine the Constitution.
In a pastoral statement titled “Serve the Common Good in the Pursuit of Justice and Truth,” the bishops said the House of Representatives has already completed its constitutional duty after finding probable cause and voting to impeach the Vice President with more than the required one-third majority.
“The House of Representatives, heeding the overwhelming sentiment of the Filipino people and finding probable cause, has voted by far more than the requisite one-third of its membership to impeach the Vice President and, as directed by the Constitution, to forward the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate for trial,” the CBCP said.
The statement, signed by CBCP President Archbishop Gilbert Garcera and dated May 12, 2026, urged senators to follow the Constitution by immediately proceeding with trial, hearing witnesses, and evaluating evidence based on justice and truth.
Without pointing to specific individuals, the bishops cautioned against any action that could be seen as avoiding constitutional responsibility.
“We urge the Senators to avoid any act that may be perceived as evading their sworn duty or circumventing the requirements of the Constitution,” the statement read.
The appeal comes amid rising political tension following changes in Senate leadership and concerns raised by legal experts and civic groups that the impeachment process may face delays.
The CBCP said the Senate now has a crucial opportunity to restore public confidence in democratic 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 bishops said.
The Church leaders also emphasized urgency, saying the impeachment court should be convened “at the soonest possible time,” adding that delays would harm both the public and the Vice President.
“To delay the trial is to delay justice for both the Filipino people and the Vice President,” they added.
The CBCP also called on Filipinos to remain vigilant throughout the process, stressing the importance of a fair and evidence-based trial amid concerns over misinformation and manipulation.
“We must also remain vigilant in monitoring the proceedings. In this way, we uphold the truth, safeguard the integrity of public discourse, and strengthen our nation against misinformation, disinformation, and manipulation,” the bishops said.
Framing the impeachment process as both a legal and moral responsibility, the CBCP said it is essential for strengthening democracy and accountability in the country.
“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 concluded.
The bishops ended their message with a call for prayer, invoking Our Lady of Fatima on her feast day, May 13, asking the faithful to pray for national leaders, the Church, and the Filipino people.
In a pastoral statement titled “Serve the Common Good in the Pursuit of Justice and Truth,” the bishops said the House of Representatives has already completed its constitutional duty after finding probable cause and voting to impeach the Vice President with more than the required one-third majority.
“The House of Representatives, heeding the overwhelming sentiment of the Filipino people and finding probable cause, has voted by far more than the requisite one-third of its membership to impeach the Vice President and, as directed by the Constitution, to forward the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate for trial,” the CBCP said.
The statement, signed by CBCP President Archbishop Gilbert Garcera and dated May 12, 2026, urged senators to follow the Constitution by immediately proceeding with trial, hearing witnesses, and evaluating evidence based on justice and truth.
Without pointing to specific individuals, the bishops cautioned against any action that could be seen as avoiding constitutional responsibility.
“We urge the Senators to avoid any act that may be perceived as evading their sworn duty or circumventing the requirements of the Constitution,” the statement read.
The appeal comes amid rising political tension following changes in Senate leadership and concerns raised by legal experts and civic groups that the impeachment process may face delays.
The CBCP said the Senate now has a crucial opportunity to restore public confidence in democratic 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 bishops said.
The Church leaders also emphasized urgency, saying the impeachment court should be convened “at the soonest possible time,” adding that delays would harm both the public and the Vice President.
“To delay the trial is to delay justice for both the Filipino people and the Vice President,” they added.
The CBCP also called on Filipinos to remain vigilant throughout the process, stressing the importance of a fair and evidence-based trial amid concerns over misinformation and manipulation.
“We must also remain vigilant in monitoring the proceedings. In this way, we uphold the truth, safeguard the integrity of public discourse, and strengthen our nation against misinformation, disinformation, and manipulation,” the bishops said.
Framing the impeachment process as both a legal and moral responsibility, the CBCP said it is essential for strengthening democracy and accountability in the country.
“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 concluded.
The bishops ended their message with a call for prayer, invoking Our Lady of Fatima on her feast day, May 13, asking the faithful to pray for national leaders, the Church, and the Filipino people.
May 12, 2026
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