The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Tuesday urged the Senate to allow the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte commence and “proceed without obstruction” and “let conscience guide your actions.”
CBCP President Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David emphasized that the Senate’s responsibility to deliberate on impeachment cases is a constitutional obligation, not a matter of choice. He described it as a solemn duty rooted in the principle of checks and balances that underpins the country’s democratic framework.
“To delay, dismiss, or ignore such a process for reasons of political convenience is to betray the Constitution and the people’s trust. As stewards of public office, senators are not only answerable to the law but are also bound in conscience to act with integrity and impartiality,” David said in a statement.
He said that public officials should “transcend partisan interests and act in a spirit of justice and truth.”
“The search for truth is not a political agenda; it is a moral imperative. We appeal to all senators, especially to those in leadership, to allow the constitutional process to proceed without obstruction,” David said.
“If there is nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear. Let conscience guide your actions. Let the truth take its course,” he continued.
Previously, Senate President Francis Escudero on Monday took his oath as the presiding officer of the impeachment court.
Senator Judges will take their oath today, Tuesday, as the Senate convenes as an impeachment court on Wednesday, June 11.
“While impeachment is by nature a political and quasi-judicial process, it is not exempt from the moral demands of truth, justice, and accountability. In a constitutional democracy, political authority must be exercised within the bounds of law and with respect for the truth. When politics serves only partisan interest, it degenerates into manipulation; but when it is guided by conscience and the common good, it becomes a noble service,” David said.
The impeachment trial, initially scheduled for June 2, was postponed to June 11 by Escudero to prioritize the passage of legislative measures.
Former Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Socrates Villegas earlier called on the Senate to promptly convene as an impeachment court, warning that any delay in proceedings could be seen as an act of suppressing the truth—something he described as not only unjust, but “a sin.”