In the wake of the House of Representatives’ decision to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte on February 5, 2025, Catholic bishops, through Caritas Philippines, have called for a commitment to truth and justice as the proceedings advance.
Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo of Kidapawan, president of Caritas Philippines, emphasized the importance of integrity in the impeachment process. He stated, “We call on all public officials to uphold the truth and ensure that justice prevails.” Bagaforo further noted that the impeachment mechanism is vital for maintaining accountability within the nation’s democracy.
He also highlighted that no leader should be exempt from scrutiny and that governance must prioritize the common good. “We must not let political divisions overshadow our primary concern: the welfare of our people,” Bagaforo added.
Caritas Philippines reiterated its dedication to promoting ethical leadership and participatory democracy. The organization urged the faithful and all sectors of society to remain vigilant, prayerful, and actively engaged in safeguarding democratic principles.
The House’s decision to impeach Vice President Duterte, supported by 215 out of 306 members, surpasses the one-third vote threshold required to proceed to a Senate trial. The charges include allegations of corruption, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes.
As the nation anticipates the Senate trial, the bishops’ call underscores the need for a fair and just process, emphasizing that political divisions should not detract from the overarching goal of serving the Filipino people’s welfare.
Society of Jesus' social apostolate 