FILE

The Council of Bishops of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines has called on the Senate to handle the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte with integrity, fairness, and moral courage, saying the process goes beyond politics and concerns public accountability.

In a statement titled “Stand Firm for Truth, Justice, and Accountability,” the bishops urged senators to rise above political loyalties and focus on their constitutional duty as the impeachment proceedings move forward.

“The Council of Bishops of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) calls upon the Philippine Senate to faithfully uphold its constitutional mandate with integrity, impartiality, and moral courage,” the statement read.

The church leaders emphasized that the Senate’s role as an impeachment court carries a responsibility not only to the public but also to history.

“As the House of Representatives transmits the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte on allegations of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, and other high crimes, the Senate must recognize that its responsibility transcends partisan interests and political alliances,” the bishops said.

“It bears a solemn duty before the Filipino people and before history itself,” the statement added.

Among the signatories were UCCP General Secretary Melzar Labuntog and several bishops from different regions across the country, along with a number of bishops emeritus.

The bishops stressed that impeachment should not be treated as a political spectacle but as a constitutional process meant to protect democratic institutions and ensure accountability in government.

“Impeachment is not merely a political process but a constitutional mechanism meant to preserve public accountability and protect democratic institutions from abuse of power,” the statement read.

“The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, must therefore act with independence, fairness, and fidelity to truth,” it added.

The UCCP also underscored that public office is a “sacred trust” and said government officials must serve with humility, integrity, and responsibility, especially toward marginalized communities.

The statement also touched on the controversial anti-drug campaign during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, saying accountability should apply equally to all officials.

“Our commitment to justice cannot be selective,” the bishops said.

“We reiterate our continuing call for accountability regarding the thousands of lives lost during the anti-drug campaign of the previous administration,” the statement added.

“Justice for the victims and their families is both a moral imperative and a legal obligation,” the bishops said.

The church leaders also directly called on Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a former police chief and key figure in the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign, to cooperate with ongoing investigations, including those linked to the International Criminal Court.

“…we call on Senator Ronald dela Rosa to courageously face all investigations related to alleged human rights violations, including cooperation with processes initiated by the International Criminal Court (ICC),” the statement read.

“No public official, regardless of position or influence, is above the law,” it added.

The UCCP bishops ended their statement by urging church members and faith communities to remain vigilant and morally grounded during what they described as a divisive period in the country.

“In these divisive times, Christian witness demands not silence, but prophetic faithfulness,” the statement said.