CBCP urges Senate to expedite Duterte impeachment

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) expressed concern over delays in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment proceedings and affirmed that impeachment is a legitimate mechanism for transparency and accountability.

In a pastoral letter, CBCP urged Catholics to combat moral indifference and emphasized the Senate’s responsibility to proceed with the trial as per constitutional demands.

Senate impeachment court spokesperson Regie Tongol dismissed claims of delay as baseless, while Sen. Ronaldo 'Bato' Dela Rosa assured that there is no cause for panic regarding the proceedings.

CBCP President Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David said delaying the trial would be a betrayal of public trust and emphasized moral demands for truth and justice in governance.

Duterte entered a 'not guilty' plea on February 5, denying allegations including bribery, corruption, and political destabilization. The Senate has yet to receive the second certification from the House regarding its willingness to prosecute.

Sen. Dela Rosa stated that he plans to ask the new Senate whether it is willing to be bound by actions taken by the previous Congress once the 20th Congress convenes on July 28.