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Advocates Philippines
Clergy Hold 'Mass For Truth' Ahead Of VP Duterte Impeachment Trial
Photo courtesy from House of Representatives
Members of the clergy gathered on Thursday for a "Mass for Truth" in support of the House prosecution panel preparing for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, calling on prosecutors to present their case with courage, wisdom, and fidelity to the truth.
The Mass was held at 9 a.m. at the Chapel of the Nativity of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao in Quezon City. It was organized by Clergy for Good Governance as an act of solidarity with the prosecution team ahead of the Senate impeachment trial scheduled to begin on July 6.
Among those who attended were House Lead Prosecutor Atty. Gerville Luistro, House prosecutors Rep. Joel Chua, Rep. Leila de Lima, Rep. Lorenz Defensor, Rep. Arlene Bag-ao, and Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora. Veteran lawyer Lorna Kapunan and other members of the private prosecution panel also joined the gathering.
The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Bong Sarabia, CM, while Msgr. Mel David of the Diocese of Parañaque delivered the homily. Several priest-complainants and concelebrating priests also took part in the service.
In his homily, David described the July 6 impeachment trial as a significant moment for the country, saying many Filipinos are looking to the proceedings as an opportunity to confront the truth.
“The Filipino people is looking up to July 6 as an opportunity for the whole Filipino people to rise up and walk,” David said.
Addressing the prosecution team, David said their responsibility extends beyond presenting legal arguments in court. He said they also carry the burden of helping the nation uncover the truth amid lingering concerns over the misuse of public funds, questionable budget allocations, and patronage-driven anti-poverty programs.
He cited the Catholic bishops' warning about "the scandalous misuse of public funds and resources" and "questionable insertions, cuts, and adjustments in the national budget," saying these issues remain a concern for many Filipinos.
Using the image of clearing muddy water, David urged prosecutors to bring hidden truths to light.
“Hahalukayin ninyo nang sa gayon ang katotohanan ay tuluyang lumabas at makita ng sambayanang Pilipino ang katotohanan,” David said.
He also encouraged the prosecutors to draw strength from faith rather than political influence or public approval.
“You have to take courage, not from human society, but from God,” he said.
David added that their task requires not only legal expertise but also spiritual guidance.
“You need wisdom that is not mastered by the knowledge you have, but rather by the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” David said.
Expressing hope for the outcome of the proceedings, David said a truthful presentation of evidence would help guide the senator-judges in reaching their decision.
“In presenting the truth, I do believe many of our senator judges will finally be convinced and vote for the truth,” David said.
The Senate is set to formally begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte on July 6, with House prosecutors expected to present evidence supporting the Articles of Impeachment approved by the House of Representatives. The trial will determine whether Duterte will be convicted or acquitted based on the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense.
The Mass was held at 9 a.m. at the Chapel of the Nativity of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao in Quezon City. It was organized by Clergy for Good Governance as an act of solidarity with the prosecution team ahead of the Senate impeachment trial scheduled to begin on July 6.
Among those who attended were House Lead Prosecutor Atty. Gerville Luistro, House prosecutors Rep. Joel Chua, Rep. Leila de Lima, Rep. Lorenz Defensor, Rep. Arlene Bag-ao, and Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora. Veteran lawyer Lorna Kapunan and other members of the private prosecution panel also joined the gathering.
The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Bong Sarabia, CM, while Msgr. Mel David of the Diocese of Parañaque delivered the homily. Several priest-complainants and concelebrating priests also took part in the service.
In his homily, David described the July 6 impeachment trial as a significant moment for the country, saying many Filipinos are looking to the proceedings as an opportunity to confront the truth.
“The Filipino people is looking up to July 6 as an opportunity for the whole Filipino people to rise up and walk,” David said.
Addressing the prosecution team, David said their responsibility extends beyond presenting legal arguments in court. He said they also carry the burden of helping the nation uncover the truth amid lingering concerns over the misuse of public funds, questionable budget allocations, and patronage-driven anti-poverty programs.
He cited the Catholic bishops' warning about "the scandalous misuse of public funds and resources" and "questionable insertions, cuts, and adjustments in the national budget," saying these issues remain a concern for many Filipinos.
Using the image of clearing muddy water, David urged prosecutors to bring hidden truths to light.
“Hahalukayin ninyo nang sa gayon ang katotohanan ay tuluyang lumabas at makita ng sambayanang Pilipino ang katotohanan,” David said.
He also encouraged the prosecutors to draw strength from faith rather than political influence or public approval.
“You have to take courage, not from human society, but from God,” he said.
David added that their task requires not only legal expertise but also spiritual guidance.
“You need wisdom that is not mastered by the knowledge you have, but rather by the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” David said.
Expressing hope for the outcome of the proceedings, David said a truthful presentation of evidence would help guide the senator-judges in reaching their decision.
“In presenting the truth, I do believe many of our senator judges will finally be convinced and vote for the truth,” David said.
The Senate is set to formally begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Duterte on July 6, with House prosecutors expected to present evidence supporting the Articles of Impeachment approved by the House of Representatives. The trial will determine whether Duterte will be convicted or acquitted based on the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense.
Jul 2, 2026
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