NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Cebu Archbishop Calls For Fairness In Sara Duterte Impeachment Case
Photo credit: CBCP
As political tensions continue to rise over the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy is urging Filipinos to focus on accountability, fairness, and national unity instead of political division.
In a pastoral statement titled “A Pastoral Appeal to the Filipino People in a Time of National Tension,” Uy reminded the public that the country must not lose sight of truth and justice amid growing noise from political camps and online disinformation.
“Despite our differences, there are important principles that should unite us as one people. First, we all desire an end to corruption,” Uy stated.
“We long for honesty, transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds. The resources of our nation must serve the people, especially the poor, and not selfish interests,” he added.
The archbishop stressed that public officials accused of corruption or misuse of government funds should face proper investigation regardless of their status or political influence.
“Second, we believe that anyone accused of corruption or misuse of public funds should be properly investigated and, if proven guilty, should face the proper consequences, regardless of power, wealth, or political and blood affiliation,” Uy stated.
At the same time, Uy emphasized that constitutional processes must remain fair and lawful, saying those accused also deserve the chance to defend themselves properly.
“Third, we also believe in fairness and due process. Every accused person must be given the opportunity to defend himself or herself according to the law and within a just process,” Uy stated.
His statement comes as the Senate prepares to act on the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte, a process that has further deepened political divisions nationwide.
Uy acknowledged growing public concern over what some perceive as selective justice, particularly when other controversies involving government spending have yet to receive the same level of scrutiny.
“The tension arises when people begin to feel that justice is not being applied equally. Some ask why certain personalities are pursued quickly while others, especially those allegedly involved in the flood-control anomalies, seem not to be investigated with the same urgency,” Uy noted.
“Whether these perceptions are accurate or not, our people need reassurance that justice is fair, impartial, and not selective,” he added.
The Cebu archbishop also defended the role of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines amid criticism over its statements on the impeachment issue. He pointed out that the bishops’ group has consistently spoken against corruption, including controversies tied to flood-control projects.
“The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines itself has also received criticism. However, it is important to remember that, while the CBCP issued on May 12, 2026 an appeal for an impeachment court to be promptly convened by the Senate, the CBCP likewise issued a few months ago on September 8, 2025 a statement strongly condemning corruption related to the flood-control anomalies,” Uy stated.
Uy also called on fellow bishops to continue speaking firmly on issues involving truth, accountability, and justice, regardless of political pressure.
“At the same time, as a member of the CBCP, I also humbly appeal to my brother bishops that we continue speaking clearly and courageously in defense of truth, justice, accountability, and the common good. We should be just as strong in urging a swift and credible investigation into the flood-control anomalies as we are in calling for the proper constitutional process regarding the impeachment case,” Uy stated.
He ended his appeal by warning Filipinos against hatred and blind political loyalty during a deeply divisive period in the country.
“In moments like this, we must be careful not to allow anger, hatred, mockery, and political fanaticism to take over our hearts. If we lose our capacity to listen, reflect, and respect one another, our nation will suffer even more,” Uy stated.
“My dear brothers and sisters, this is not the time for hatred. This is not the time for blind loyalty to politicians,” he added.
“This is the time to love our country honestly, prayerfully, and responsibly.”
In a pastoral statement titled “A Pastoral Appeal to the Filipino People in a Time of National Tension,” Uy reminded the public that the country must not lose sight of truth and justice amid growing noise from political camps and online disinformation.
“Despite our differences, there are important principles that should unite us as one people. First, we all desire an end to corruption,” Uy stated.
“We long for honesty, transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds. The resources of our nation must serve the people, especially the poor, and not selfish interests,” he added.
The archbishop stressed that public officials accused of corruption or misuse of government funds should face proper investigation regardless of their status or political influence.
“Second, we believe that anyone accused of corruption or misuse of public funds should be properly investigated and, if proven guilty, should face the proper consequences, regardless of power, wealth, or political and blood affiliation,” Uy stated.
At the same time, Uy emphasized that constitutional processes must remain fair and lawful, saying those accused also deserve the chance to defend themselves properly.
“Third, we also believe in fairness and due process. Every accused person must be given the opportunity to defend himself or herself according to the law and within a just process,” Uy stated.
His statement comes as the Senate prepares to act on the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte, a process that has further deepened political divisions nationwide.
Uy acknowledged growing public concern over what some perceive as selective justice, particularly when other controversies involving government spending have yet to receive the same level of scrutiny.
“The tension arises when people begin to feel that justice is not being applied equally. Some ask why certain personalities are pursued quickly while others, especially those allegedly involved in the flood-control anomalies, seem not to be investigated with the same urgency,” Uy noted.
“Whether these perceptions are accurate or not, our people need reassurance that justice is fair, impartial, and not selective,” he added.
The Cebu archbishop also defended the role of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines amid criticism over its statements on the impeachment issue. He pointed out that the bishops’ group has consistently spoken against corruption, including controversies tied to flood-control projects.
“The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines itself has also received criticism. However, it is important to remember that, while the CBCP issued on May 12, 2026 an appeal for an impeachment court to be promptly convened by the Senate, the CBCP likewise issued a few months ago on September 8, 2025 a statement strongly condemning corruption related to the flood-control anomalies,” Uy stated.
Uy also called on fellow bishops to continue speaking firmly on issues involving truth, accountability, and justice, regardless of political pressure.
“At the same time, as a member of the CBCP, I also humbly appeal to my brother bishops that we continue speaking clearly and courageously in defense of truth, justice, accountability, and the common good. We should be just as strong in urging a swift and credible investigation into the flood-control anomalies as we are in calling for the proper constitutional process regarding the impeachment case,” Uy stated.
He ended his appeal by warning Filipinos against hatred and blind political loyalty during a deeply divisive period in the country.
“In moments like this, we must be careful not to allow anger, hatred, mockery, and political fanaticism to take over our hearts. If we lose our capacity to listen, reflect, and respect one another, our nation will suffer even more,” Uy stated.
“My dear brothers and sisters, this is not the time for hatred. This is not the time for blind loyalty to politicians,” he added.
“This is the time to love our country honestly, prayerfully, and responsibly.”
May 19, 2026
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