The president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Tuesday, June 10 called on the Senate to uphold its constitutional responsibility in addressing the impeachment complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte.

“I speak not in the name of any political group or interest, but from the perspective of the Church’s social teaching, which calls for moral responsibility, accountability, and the primacy of the common good in public life,” CBCP president Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David said.

He described the Senate’s role in impeachment proceedings as a “solemn mandate,” saying it is not a matter of political convenience but a vital duty rooted in truth and justice.

“We appeal to all senators, especially to those in leadership, to allow the constitutional process to proceed without obstruction. If there is nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear,” Cardinal David said.

“Let conscience guide your actions. Let the truth take its course,” he added.

The CBCP head acknowledged that while impeachment is inherently a political and quasi-judicial process, it is not exempt from the moral demands of truth, justice, and accountability.

“In a constitutional democracy, political authority must be exercised within the bounds of law and with respect for the truth. When politics serves only partisan interest, it degenerates into manipulation; but when it is guided by conscience and the common good, it becomes a noble service,” he said.

“To delay, dismiss, or ignore such a process for reasons of political convenience is to betray the Constitution and the people’s trust. As stewards of public office, senators are not only answerable to the law but are also bound in conscience to act with integrity and impartiality,” he added.

Citing the “Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church,” Cardinal David reiterated that political authority must transcend partisan interests and serve the common good.

“Public officials must transcend partisan interests and act in a spirit of justice and truth. The search for truth is not a political agenda; it is a moral imperative,” he said.