Metro Manila, Philippines – The president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) joined calls for senators to let the constitutional process proceed “without obstruction” on the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
“If there is nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear,” Kalookan Bishop Pablo Cardinal David said in a statement on Tuesday, June 10.
David said the Senate’s constitutional duty to act on impeachment cases was “not optional” but a “solemn mandate arising from the principle of checks and balances enshrined in our democratic system.”
“To delay, dismiss, or ignore such a process for reasons of political convenience is to betray the Constitution and the people’s trust,” he said. “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 impeachment, while political in nature, is “not exempt from the moral demands of truth, justice, and accountability.”
“Let conscience guide your actions. Let the truth take its course,” the CBCP president told senators.
Senators debated at length on Monday after the minority moved to immediately convene the impeachment court on the same day.
A staunch Duterte ally, Sen. Robin Padilla even filed a resolution “declaring as terminated” the impeachment proceedings against Duterte.
The lawmakers relented after five hours, including session breaks just to clear the air on a number of procedural and constitutional questions, and Senate President Chiz Escudero took his oath as the impeachment court presiding officer.
Senators will take their oath as judges on Tuesday without formally convening the court.
READ: Compromise reached: Senators to take oath without convening impeachment court
In February, the House of Representatives impeached Duterte for graft and corruption, betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, and other high crimes.
The case took off from Duterte’s “kill remarks” on the First Couple and presidential cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and her alleged mismanagement of confidential funds, among other issues.
