Impeachment Drama Continues: Church Leaders and Activists Speak Out
Government officials and activists strongly critique the postponement of Vice President Duterte's impeachment process
In an escalating political saga, over 60 church leaders, along with a host of activist groups, have voiced their frustration as Senate members drag out the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
On June 11, 2025, One Faith, One Nation, One Voice, a coalition of religious groups led by Bishop Broderick Pabillo and Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, called for the impeachment process to move forward. They emphasized, "It is imperative that the impeachment process continues. Elected officials must not run roughshod over the people's desire for truth, justice, and accountability."
Tokenizing their appeal, Tagbilaran Bishop Alberto Uy asserted, "Calling for the trial to move forward is not a judgment against the Vice President, but a call for the truth to be discerned in the light of justice." He added, "It must be driven not by the desire to destroy a person, but by the commitment to build a nation where no one is above the law."
Cubao Bishop Elias Ayuban Jr. brought attention to the impartiality of senators acting as judges in the proceedings. He cautioned, "When senators serving as judges publicly pledge support for the official on trial before hearing the evidence, they are, in effect, acting as defense advocates."
Adding to the chorus of dissent, around 5,000 people from various civil society organizations launched a protest march in front of the Senate building. Protesters branded the Senate's move to remand the impeachment articles as a "shameless abdication of their constitutional mandate."
Lawyer Aaron Pedrosa, secretary general of sectoral group Sanlakas, threatened direct action if the Senate continued to delay the trial. He warned, "Officialdom should shudder in fear when the people decide to try the case themselves."
Veteran land rights activist leader Danny Carranza observed, "The Senate's decision to remand the impeachment articles, for me, shows a clear and present danger — it is a politically motivated delay tactic rather than a genuine effort to uphold constitutional standards."
With the Senate confirming the impeachment trial to commence on June 11,2025, the trial of Vice President Duterte remains highly controversial and is anticipated to test the nation's political institutions and her political base.
This ongoing impeachment process is widely viewed as a critical moment in Philippine politics, with far-reaching implications for the country's political landscape and institutional resilience. Legal experts, academics, and civic leaders are closely monitoring the proceedings, awaiting the unfolding events with bated breath.
- Amidst growing public discontent, church leaders and activists in the Philippines have been advocating for a swift resolution in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, stating that the process is crucial for ensuring truth, justice, and accountability in policy-and-legislation and political affairs.
- The ongoing impeachment proceedings have raised concerns about the impartiality of senators acting as judges, with some being accused of publicly supporting the vice president before hearing evidence, potentially undermining the legitimacy of the trial.
- As the impeachment trial unfolds, Filipinos and general-news outlets alike remain glued to the proceedings, anticipating the potential impact this critical moment in Philippine politics could have on the country's political system and institutional resilience.
