The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has called on the Filipino faithful to closely monitor the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. This appeal follows the House of Representatives' decision to impeach Duterte on May 12, 2026.
CBCP Statement on Civic Duty
In a statement, CBCP President Archbishop Gilbert Garcera emphasized the importance of civic responsibility. "To our fellow Filipinos, let us fulfill our civic duties and responsibilities by ensuring a fair and credible trial so that all may see and hear clear, verified evidence and arguments. We must remain vigilant in monitoring the proceedings," he said.
The archbishop expressed solidarity with the people in seeking truth and justice. "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," Garcera added.
House Vote and Articles of Impeachment
The House of Representatives voted 257-25, with nine abstentions, to impeach Duterte. The four Articles of Impeachment accuse her of misuse or abuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery and graft, and threatening to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.
Call for Immediate Senate Trial
Garcera urged senators to conduct the impeachment trial without delay. "We urge the Senators to avoid any act that may be perceived as evading their sworn duty or circumventing the requirements of the Constitution. We make this urgent appeal to not delay the trial and to convene the Senate as an impeachment court at the soonest possible time," he said.
"To delay the trial is to delay justice for both the Filipino people and the Vice President," Garcera added. He stressed that senators must adhere to the principles of justice. "We appeal to the Members of the Senate to abide by what the Constitution directs: to proceed with the trial and to decide the case against the Vice President by summoning witnesses, hearing testimony, and voting according to the evidence and, above all, the demands of righteousness and justice."
