CBCP leader: Delaying Duterte impeachment trial betrays Constitution

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero (L) and Vice President Sara Duterte (R). | PHOTOS: Senate PRIB and official Facebook page of Inday Sara Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David said on Tuesday that delaying the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte would be a betrayal of the 1987 Constitution and public trust.

Noting that he was speaking from the “perspective of the Church’s social teaching,” David emphasized that the Senate’s duty is not optional, as it is a mandate “arising from the principle of checks and balances.”

“To delay, dismiss, or ignore such a process for reasons of political convenience is to betray the Constitution and the people’s trust,” David said in a statement.

READ: Archbishop Soc Villegas says delaying Sara Duterte trial ‘is grave sin’

The Kalookan bishop added that since senators are “stewards of public office,” they are “not only answerable to the law but are also bound in conscience to act with integrity and impartiality.”

He also emphasized that the impeachment process, though political and quasi-judicial, should not be exempt from the moral demands of truth, justice, and accountability.

“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 added.

He then pointed out the Church’s teaching that political authority must serve the common good, adding that public officials must not act based on their political interests but in the pursuit of justice and truth.

“We appeal to all senators, especially to those in leadership, to allow the constitutional process to proceed without obstruction,” he added.

Senate President Francis Escudero took his oath on Monday as the presiding officer of the impeachment court. The senator-judges are set to take their oaths on Tuesday afternoon.

READ: Escudero takes oath as presiding officer of Sara Duterte trial

The Senate is set to convene as an impeachment court on June 11. The presentation of charges against Duterte by the House prosecutors is also scheduled for the same day.

The presentation was originally set for June 2. Escudero explained that the schedule was moved “to allow the Senate to tackle priority legislative measures before the 19th Congress adjourns.”

Several universities and civil society organizations have called on the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial. This includes a prayer vigil led by Tindig Pilipinas, scheduled from June 9 to 11./mcm