Religious groups have called on Vice President Sara Duterte to attend House impeachment proceedings and respond to allegations against her, following financial findings presented during committee hearings.
An Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) report cited by the House Committee on Justice showed that banks flagged around P6.7 billion in “covered and suspicious” transactions linked to Duterte and her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, from 2006 to 2024.
Religious leaders raised concern over Duterte’s absence in previous hearings, where committee chair Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville Luistro had repeatedly called on her to appear.
They said her continued absence deprives the public of an opportunity to hear her side and weakens transparency in constitutional proceedings.
“It is too unfortunate that Vice President Sara Duterte has chosen not to attend the proceedings, as her presence here would have been an opportune time for her to demonstrate her respect for our constitutional processes,” the Diocese of Northern Isabela of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente said in a statement signed by Bishop Alvin Valera.
The group said Duterte’s absence also prevents her from directly addressing the accusations and presenting evidence in her defense, leaving key issues unresolved in the public eye.
A similar appeal was made by the Institute for Studies in Asian Church and Culture (ISACC), which urged Duterte to face the impeachment complaints and respond to the allegations instead of relying on procedural objections.
ISACC, a faith-based research and development organization, described the accusations as serious, citing claims involving the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential and intelligence funds, questions on unexplained wealth, discrepancies in financial disclosures, and alleged threats against top government officials.
The group said the impeachment process is essential to ensuring accountability in the use of public funds and cautioned against weakening mechanisms meant to scrutinize public officials.
It also cited a recent OCTA Research survey showing that around seven in 10 Filipinos support the ongoing impeachment proceedings, which it said reflects public demand for clarity and accountability regardless of political affiliation.
ISACC urged continued public vigilance, saying the pursuit of truth and justice should remain free from bias or influence.
The group also cited biblical guidance on fairness and justice, calling on authorities and citizens to uphold due process.
The House Committee on Justice is scheduled to hold its final hearing on the impeachment complaint this Wednesday.