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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Archbishop Villegas hits Senate leadership change, alleged protection of dela Rosa

Archbishop Villegas hits Senate leadership change, alleged protection of dela Rosa

Published May 17, 2026 08:35 am

At A Glance

  • A pastoral letter was issued amid growing political tensions over the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte and the controversy surrounding Senator Bato dela Rosa, who has gone into hiding following reports that authorities may enforce an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against him.
Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas (file photo)
Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas (file photo)
Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas has criticized the Senate’s recent leadership change and its alleged role in shielding Senator Ronald dela Rosa from arrest.
In a pastoral letter titled “Sad and Angry, but Brave and Hopeful” released on Sunday, May 17, the former president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines questioned the Senate leadership transition that saw Senator Alan Peter Cayetano replace Senator Tito Sotto as Senate president.
Villegas said the move appeared aimed at delaying the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
“The sudden change in the leadership of the Senate is like graffiti on the wall showing another devious plan to delay the trial,” he said.
“It was not for the country but for somebody,” he added.
The archbishop also criticized the Senate’s reported move to place dela Rosa under protective custody amid efforts to implement an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court over crimes against humanity allegations linked to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.
“The Senate is now used as a shield for a suspect-at-large with a valid warrant of arrest from a lawful court,” Villegas said.
He urged Filipinos to participate in the democratic process and evaluate public officials based on their record in office.
“Reject the corrupt in the next elections. Review and evaluate their records of public service. Your vote is your power. Use it to the maximum,” he said.
Villegas also called on the public to pursue reforms through peaceful and legal means.
“We must apply constant moral pressure not through violence or coercion but through conscience and conviction,” he added.
The archbishop said silence and neutrality in the face of wrongdoing allow corruption and abuse of power to continue.
The pastoral letter was issued amid growing political tensions over the impeachment case against Vice President Duterte and the controversy surrounding dela Rosa, who has gone into hiding following reports that authorities may enforce an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against him.

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ARCHBISHOP SOCRATES VILLEGAS BATO DELA ROSA SARA DUTERTE IMPEACHMENT SENATE ICC
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