The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has urged the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte at the soonest possible time.

In a statement on Tuesday, May 12, CBCP President and Lipa Archbishop Gilbert A. Garcera said the House of Representatives had already acted “by far more than the requisite one-third of its membership” in voting to impeach the Vice President, a move he said reflected “the overwhelming sentiment of the Filipino people.”

He said it is now the senators’ turn to fulfill their constitutional duty and proceed with the impeachment trial without delay.

“We appeal to the Members of the Senate to abide by what the Constitution directs: to proceed with the trial and to decide the case against the Vice President by summoning witnesses, hearing testimony, and voting according to the evidence and, above all, the demands of righteousness and justice,” Garcera said.

He warned against any action that could be seen as avoiding or delaying the Senate’s obligation under the Constitution.

“We urge the Senators to avoid any act that may be perceived as evading their sworn duty or circumventing the requirements of the Constitution,” he said.

“To delay the trial is to delay justice for both the Filipino people and the Vice President,” he added.

Garcera said the proceedings should help restore public trust in institutions and strengthen respect for the rule of law.

He also called on Filipinos to remain vigilant throughout the impeachment process and guard against misinformation and manipulation.

“Let us fulfill our civic duties and responsibilities by ensuring a fair and credible trial so that all may see and hear clear, verified evidence and arguments. We must also remain vigilant in monitoring the proceedings. In this way, we uphold the truth, safeguard the integrity of public discourse,” he said.