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Two major religious groups in the Philippines have called on the Senate to immediately convene as an impeachment court and proceed with the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, warning against political maneuvering that could weaken accountability and public trust in government institutions.

In separate statements released over the weekend, the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) and the Episcopal Church in the Philippines (ECP) urged senators to uphold the Constitution and ensure that the impeachment proceedings are conducted fairly, transparently, and without deliberate obstruction.

The two churches also expressed concern over the recent leadership change in the Senate and the reappearance of Senator Ronald dela Rosa in the chamber after months of absence, developments that came as the House of Representatives transmitted the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte to the Senate.

Both religious groups encouraged Filipinos to remain vigilant and prayerful amid the country’s political tensions, while standing firm on the principles of truth, justice, and accountability.

“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 processes or shield public officials from scrutiny,” IFI said in a statement signed by Obispo Maximo Joel Porlares.

Porlares said many Filipinos are questioning whether the Senate is still acting independently as it prepares to handle Duterte’s impeachment case.

“Many now sincerely ask why the Senate appears to be acting in ways that could derail the impeachment proceedings against the Vice President while at the same time offering shelter to a fellow Senator facing possible legal accountability,” he said.

“These questions touch the deeper issue of whether government officials remain faithful to their constitutional mandate and their moral responsibility before the people,” he added.

The IFI stressed that public office should never become protection from accountability.

“As a 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. When institutions entrusted with accountability begin to appear as barriers to it, the moral credibility of governance is eroded,” Porlares said.

The church called on senators to move forward with the impeachment process in accordance with the Constitution and due process.

“We therefore earnestly call upon the Senate to carry out its constitutional duties with integrity, transparency, and courage. The impeachment process must proceed according to law and due process, free from political maneuvering or deliberate obstruction,” he added.

Porlares also linked the issue to broader concerns surrounding accountability related to the Duterte administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign, saying legal processes should move forward without selective protection.

“Likewise, all legal processes related to the anti-drug campaign must be allowed to move forward without undue interference or selective protection,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Episcopal Church in the Philippines echoed similar concerns in a statement signed by Prime Bishop Nestor Poltic.

“The Senate is not called to protect personalities or political alliances, but to uphold truth, justice, and the rule of law. When institutions entrusted with accountability begin to appear as barriers to it, the moral credibility of governance is eroded,” Poltic said.

The ECP expressed “profound concern” over what it described as politically charged developments in the Senate, particularly the return of dela Rosa following reports surrounding a possible arrest warrant tied to investigations by the International Criminal Court into the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

“These developments come at a critical moment in our nation's democratic life, particularly amid the ongoing impeachment proceedings,” Poltic said.

“As a Church committed to the principles of truth, justice, accountability, and the sanctity of democratic institutions, we view these developments with grave apprehension. Actions that appear politically motivated and disruptive to institutional stability risk weakening public trust in one of the highest constitutional bodies of our Republic,” he added.

The church leader warned that political maneuvering inside the Senate could deepen public distrust at a time when the country needs stability and accountability.

“At a time when the nation calls for sober leadership, integrity, and fidelity to democratic processes, sudden political maneuverings within the Senate only deepen uncertainty and erode confidence in governance,” Poltic said.

“The Senate bears a solemn constitutional duty to uphold impartiality, due process, and the rule of law. Any act that undermines these responsibilities weakens the democratic foundations upon which our nation stands,” he added.

The Senate is expected to convene as an impeachment court following the House’s overwhelming vote to impeach Duterte over allegations involving misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and grave threats.

Under the Constitution, at least 16 senators must vote in favor of conviction for Duterte to be removed from office.

In closing, both churches called on Filipinos to remain united and continue praying for the country’s democratic institutions.

“In this challenging time, we pray that Almighty God will grant wisdom to our nation's leaders, strengthen our democratic institutions, and guide our country toward peace, justice, and unity,” Poltic said.