CBCP Calls on Senate to Uphold Constitutional Responsibility
The president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) strongly urged the Senate to fulfill its constitutional responsibility amid the impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte. Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David emphasized that this call comes not from any political standpoint but from the Church’s social teachings, which highlight the importance of moral responsibility, accountability, and prioritizing the common good in public service.
He stressed that the Senate’s role in impeachment is a solemn mandate. “It is not a matter of political convenience but a vital duty rooted in truth and justice,” Cardinal David said. He appealed to all senators, especially those in leadership, to let the constitutional process proceed without any obstruction. “If there is nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear,” he added.
Truth and Conscience Must Guide Senate Actions
Cardinal David called on senators to allow conscience to guide their decisions and let truth prevail. While impeachment is both political and quasi-judicial, he affirmed that it must never be separated from the moral imperatives of truth, justice, and accountability.
“In a constitutional democracy, political authority must operate within legal boundaries and respect the truth,” the CBCP president explained. He warned that when politics serves only partisan interests, it turns into manipulation. However, when conscience and the common good lead political actions, it becomes a noble service.
Integrity and Accountability in Public Office
The CBCP head cautioned against any delay, dismissal, or neglect of the impeachment process for political convenience, calling such actions a betrayal of both the Constitution and public trust. “Senators, as public servants, are accountable to the law and must act with integrity and impartiality,” Cardinal David remarked.
Drawing from the Church’s “Compendium of the Social Doctrine,” he reiterated that political authority should rise above partisan interests and focus on justice and truth. “Public officials must act in a spirit of justice and truth. Seeking truth is not a political agenda; it is a moral imperative,” he stated.
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