One Negros Council Demands Senate Impeachment Trial
BACOLOD CITY — The One Negros Ecumenical Council (ONEC) has urged the public to insist that lawmakers move forward with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. They emphasized the need for the Senate impeachment trial to proceed promptly.
“We call on fellow church leaders, communities, and all people of goodwill to demand that the Senate and the House fulfill their constitutional and moral duties,” the council declared in a statement dated June 20. “The impeachment trial must proceed, not to serve political interests, but to affirm that no one in this nation is above the law.”
Strong Criticism of Senate’s Remand Decision
ONEC expressed profound concern and moral outrage over the Senate’s recent decision to send the impeachment complaint against Duterte back to the House of Representatives. The council described this action as a betrayal of constitutional responsibility and a serious blow to the principles of accountability, justice, and integrity.
“This move, disguised as a procedural clarification, undermines public service values and Christian ethics,” ONEC stated. They highlighted that the allegations against Duterte remain serious and troubling.
Allegations of Misuse of Funds Highlighted
The group pointed to Duterte’s alleged misuse of more than P612.5 million in confidential and intelligence funds during her terms as vice president and education secretary. “This amount represents stolen futures for millions of Filipinos, especially in marginalized provinces like Negros,” the council noted.
They further stressed, “In a region where many suffer from landlessness, hunger, and lack basic services, this plunder amounts to moral and spiritual violence.”
Calls Out President Marcos Jr. for Silence
ONEC also criticized President Marcos Jr. for his silence on the matter, stating, “His distance from the process enables impunity to thrive. His silence is not neutrality; it is complicity.” The council underscored that the 18 senators who voted to remand the complaint have violated their oath to uphold the Constitution and serve the people.
The ONEC statement was signed by San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, retired Rev. Virgilio Amihan Jr. of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, and Bishop Fely Tenchavez of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.
Impeachment Process Moves Forward
Previously, the House of Representatives approved the impeachment complaint against Duterte based on various allegations, including misuse of public funds, which the vice president has denied. The case was then forwarded to the Senate.
For the impeachment to proceed, two-thirds of the 24 senators must vote in favor of the trial. The One Negros Ecumenical Council insists that the Senate impeachment trial must be held to uphold justice and the rule of law.
For more news and updates on the Senate impeachment trial, visit Filipinokami.com.