Call for Leaders’ Integrity in Impeachment Process
Caritas Philippines has called on the nation’s leaders to act with utmost integrity and speed in handling calls for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. The social action arm of the Roman Catholic Church emphasized that the impeachment process must prioritize justice and the welfare of the Filipino people.
In a statement, Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, the president of Caritas Philippines, urged respect for due process and the rule of law amid the country’s political challenges. He stressed that any move towards impeachment should be grounded in truth and fairness.
“Caritas Philippines, in the spirit of our Alay Kapwa legacy of solidarity with the poor and commitment to justice and peace, urges that any move towards the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte be approached with utmost integrity and respect for upholding the rule of law,” Bagaforo said.
Impeachment Must Proceed Without Delay
The bishop highlighted the importance of acting swiftly, referencing a well-known legal principle. “The impeachment trial must no longer be delayed. We call on our leaders to act with the highest sense of urgency,” he added. “Let us be reminded that ‘Justice delayed is justice denied.’”
Recent weeks have seen rising calls for Duterte’s impeachment. These stem from concerns about alleged misuse of confidential funds and questions on governance priorities. Several lawmakers and civil society groups are openly discussing filing an impeachment complaint once Congress resumes.
Truth and Welfare Must Guide Political Actions
Bagaforo reminded public officials to let truth, not partisanship or personal interest, guide political and legal processes. “Furthermore, as a Church serving the most vulnerable, we emphasize that any legal or political process must uphold truth and due process, never driven by partisanship or personal gain. The ultimate goal must always be the concern for the welfare of the Filipino people—especially the poor, the marginalized, and those whose voices are often unheard,” he said.
The bishop also called for moral courage and unity during this pivotal moment in the country’s democracy. “Let this be a time for our leaders to show moral courage, for our institutions to stand firm in justice, and for all citizens to demand accountability rooted in compassion and truth,” Bagaforo urged.
He closed with a call for vigilance and prayer, hoping the nation’s journey leads to genuine peace, good governance, and justice for all. “We call on everyone to remain vigilant, discerning, and united in prayer—that this chapter in our nation’s journey may lead us closer to genuine peace, good governance, and a more just society for all,” he added.
For more news and updates on impeachment process, visit Filipinokami.com.