The Council of Bishops of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) has urged the Senate to handle the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte with integrity, impartiality and moral courage, saying the process must rise above partisan interests.
In a statement titled “Stand Firm for Truth, Justice, and Accountability,” the UCCP bishops said senators must recognize that their role in the impeachment proceedings carries a responsibility not only to the present political moment but also to the Filipino people and history.
“The Senate must recognize that its responsibility transcends partisan interests and political alliances,” the council said. “It bears a solemn duty before the Filipino people and before history itself.”
The statement was issued as the House of Representatives transmits the impeachment complaint against Duterte, which includes allegations of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, bribery and other high crimes.
The bishops stressed that impeachment should not be reduced to a political contest, but should be treated as a constitutional mechanism meant to preserve public accountability and protect democratic institutions from abuse of power.
“The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, must therefore act with independence, fairness, and fidelity to truth,” the council said.
The UCCP bishops said public office is a sacred trust and must be exercised with humility, integrity and responsibility, especially toward the poor and vulnerable. They said constitutional processes, including impeachment, as well as legitimate international legal mechanisms, are instruments for defending truth and seeking justice.
The council also called on senators to resist political pressure, transactional patronage and personal loyalties that may undermine public trust and the rule of law.
The bishops further said accountability should not be selective, citing their continuing call for justice for the thousands killed during the anti-drug campaign of the previous administration.
“Justice for the victims and their families is both a moral imperative and a legal obligation,” the council said.
The UCCP bishops also called on Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to face investigations into alleged human rights violations, including processes initiated by the International Criminal Court.
“No public official, regardless of position or influence, is above the law,” the statement said.
The council said justice is not served when the powerful evade scrutiny, adding that the Church is called to stand with grieving families, the poor, the marginalized and those silenced by violence and abuse of power.
The bishops also urged UCCP members, local churches, church workers and faith communities to exercise prayerful discernment, critical reflection and moral courage amid political division.
“In these divisive times, Christian witness demands not silence, but prophetic faithfulness,” the council said.