The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) called on senators to immediately proceed with the impeachment trial after Vice President Sara Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives of the Philippines for the second time.
In a statement, the CBCP urged members of the Senate of the Philippines to fulfill what the Constitution mandates.
“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,” the CBCP statement read.
The bishops said the Senate now holds the opportunity to restore public trust and confidence in public institutions that uphold the rule of law and promote the common good in pursuit of justice and truth.
According to the CBCP, there should be no further delay in convening the Senate as an impeachment court and proceeding with the trial.
“We make this urgent appeal to not delay the trial and to convene the Senate as an impeachment court at the soonest possible time. To delay the trial is to delay justice for both the Filipino people and the Vice President,” they added.
The CBCP also reminded the public to remain vigilant during the hearings.
The group said this would help ensure the truth, safeguard the integrity of public disclosure, and strengthen the country against misinformation, disinformation, and manipulation.
