The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) issued an urgent appeal to lawmakers not to delay the impeachment trial of the Vice President and to convene the Senate as an impeachment court at the soonest possible time.
In its official statement signed by CBCP President and Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, it said the Congress, during the series of hearings by the Justice Committee, has found probable cause and gathered more than the required one-third vote among its membership for the impeachment trial to proceed.
“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,” the CBCP said.
It also reminded members of the Senate that they now have the opportunity “to restore our people’s faith and confidence in our public institutions that adhere to the rule of law and serve the common good in the pursuit of justice and truth.”
“To delay the trial is to delay justice for both the Filipino people and the Vice President,” it added.
The CBCP also appealed to Filipinos to remain vigilant in monitoring the proceedings.
“To our fellow Filipinos, 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,” the CBCP said. “We must also remain vigilant in monitoring the proceedings. In this way, we uphold the truth, safeguard the integrity of public discourse, and strengthen our nation against misinformation, disinformation, and manipulation.”