CBCP Caritas urges Senate to speed up VP Duterte's impeachment

The social action arm of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) urged the Senate on Thursday, February 27, to act swiftly on the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Manila's 3rd district Representative Joel Chua echoed this call, emphasizing that the issue at hand is accountability and the people's money, urging lawmakers to prioritize the case as mandated by the Constitution.

Caritas Philippines, led by Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, warned against delays in the impeachment process, stating that such delays weaken democratic institutions and erode public trust.

The Senate has faced criticism for not starting Duterte's impeachment trial soon after the House of Representatives impeached her on February 5; Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero announced that the trial would begin on July 30 in the next Congress, which will be five months after the filing.

Religious groups have become increasingly involved in sociopolitical issues, with a recent group called Clergy for Good Governance being formed, highlighting the Catholic Church's role in advocating for citizens' rights rather than its own interests.