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On their first day in office, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte attend the Holy Mass presided by Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula at San Miguel Church in Manila in 2022.
Inday Sara Duterte via FB
MANILA, Philippines — As members of the House of Representatives prepare to vote today on the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, Catholic bishops called on lawmakers to prioritize moral integrity, transparency and the rule of law over political convenience.
In a statement on Monday, May 11, Caritas Philippines president and San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza appealed to lawmakers to view the proceedings as a critical constitutional duty.
He said the process should not be treated merely as a political maneuver, but as part of a "fair and just process" to determine innocence or guilt based on credible evidence.
“Our people have expressed their desire and hope that the Vice-President should face the charges against her in the impeachment complaint. In a March 2026 survey, 69% of Filipinos support the impeachment process,” Alminaza said.
“This is an expression of our people’s desire and hope that there be a credible mechanism and process to hold our public officials accountable. This must encourage us, especially you, our honorable Representatives vested with this duty and responsibility, to ensure a fair and credible vote,” he added.
Conscience over pressure
Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy also urged lawmakers to resist political pressure, public popularity or personal ambition.
In his homily on Monday, May 11, Uy said lawmakers carry a heavy responsibility because their decision on whether the impeachment should proceed will “affect not only politics, but also the moral direction of our country.”
“Do not decide only according to personal ambition or fear,” Uy said.
“Instead, ask: ‘What is true?’ ‘What is just?’ ‘What is good for the Filipino people?’ ‘What decision can I defend before God and before my conscience?’” he added.
Uy said the lawmakers’ vote “is not only recorded in history,” but “is also seen by God.”
“We must pray more for our country. We must pray more for wisdom and discernment. We must be careful not to become instruments of lies, hatred, or division,” Uy said.
House vote. The House Committee on Justice on May 4 approved and ordered the transmittal of the articles of impeachment against Duterte to the House plenary.
On Monday, lawmakers will vote on whether the articles of impeachment will be transmitted to the Senate for trial.
