By Mark Saludes, Philippines
PHILIPPINES – Church leaders, Catholic educators, and legal scholars across the Philippines have intensified calls for the Senate to immediately begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, denouncing political obstruction and constitutional neglect.
In a statement, the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Commission of the Conference of Major Superiors in the Philippines (CMSP) condemned what they described as a “deliberate delay” in the proceedings, allegedly led by Duterte-aligned lawmakers and Senate President Chiz Escudero.
“We cannot remain silent while the law is being manipulated and the truth distorted,” the JPIC-CMSP said. “Because of his personal ambition to retain power, Escudero has allowed the Senate—once a respected institution of statesmanship and public service—to be turned into a playground for partisanship.”
The group emphasized that remaining silent amid injustice contradicts the core values of their faith. They argued that failing to confront distortions of truth undermines the Gospel and insisted that transparency should not be feared if there is nothing to conceal.
Caritas Philippines echoed the call, urging lawmakers to act with urgency and integrity.
Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, national president of Caritas, said the impeachment trial “must no longer be delayed,” adding, “Let us be reminded that ‘justice delayed is justice denied.’”
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