A religious organization has called on the Senate to immediately move forward with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, warning lawmakers against delaying what it described as a constitutional duty.
The Bible Believers League for Morality and Democracy (BIBLEMODE) International said the Senate must prioritize accountability and uphold the impeachment process without yielding to political considerations.
In a statement, the group pointed to the overwhelming vote in the House of Representatives to impeach Duterte, saying it reflected public sentiment on the need for government officials to answer allegations against them.
“Finding probable cause, the House Committee on Justice sent its report and recommendation on the impeachment complaints against the Vice President to the plenary that cast an unexpected overwhelming vote to impeach,” BIBLEMODE said.
The House earlier voted 257-25, with nine abstentions, to impeach Duterte and transmit the case to the Senate for trial. The Senate has since convened as an impeachment court amid heightened political tensions surrounding the proceedings.
BIBLEMODE said the lower chamber had already fulfilled its role and that the responsibility now rests with the Senate.
“The House has done its job wonderfully. Now, the Senate must do its constitutionally mandated job,” the group said.
The organization also emphasized that the impeachment proceedings should be resolved based on evidence, applicable laws, and constitutional principles rather than public pressure or political influence.
The statement was furnished to Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III through a May 19 letter from Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr., who serves as BIBLEMODE president and is among the endorsers of the fourth impeachment complaint against Duterte.
Several pastors, church leaders, and officers from Baptist organizations across the country also signed the statement.
Duterte is facing allegations involving the alleged misuse of public funds, unexplained wealth, and threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other officials. The Vice President has denied the accusations and described the impeachment efforts as politically motivated.
BIBLEMODE urged senators to avoid delaying the proceedings, warning that inaction could weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.
“We humbly urge the Senate to act with dispatch because, as the legal maxim says, justice delayed is justice denied,” the group said.
The organization added that the Senate must rise above political expediency and fulfill its constitutional responsibility without delay.
“Without delay, without excuse, the Senate must fulfill its solemn constitutional duty, disregarding political barriers and political expediency,” BIBLEMODE stated.