MANILA, Philippines – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on May 12 urged the National Senate to act swiftly on the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte after the country’s House of Representatives impeached her for the second time.
CBCP President Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa said, “We appeal to the members of the Senate to follow the instructions of the Constitution: to proceed with the trial and decide the case against the Vice President by calling witnesses, hearing testimony and voting according to the evidence and, above all, through the demands of righteousness and justice.”
On May 11, the House of Representatives voted 257–25, with nine abstentions, to impeach Duterte for a second time, making him the first official in Philippine history to be impeached twice. The House sent the articles of impeachment to the Senate for hearing.
“We urge senators to refrain from any actions that could be construed as shirking their sworn duty or circumventing the requirements of the Constitution,” Garcera said. “You now have the opportunity to restore the trust and confidence of our people in our public institutions that abide by the rule of law and serve the common good in the pursuit of justice and truth.”
Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos poses for a photo after celebrating Mass na chapel in the San Carlos Diocese on May 14, 2026. Credit: Photo courtesy of San Carlos Diocese
The bishops also called on Filipinos to remain engaged throughout the proceedings.
“Let us fulfill our civic duties and responsibilities by ensuring fair and credible hearings so that all can see and hear clear, verified evidence and arguments,” the CBCP statement said.
“We must also be vigilant in monitoring the proceedings. In this way, we uphold the truth, protect the integrity of public discussion, and strengthen our country against misinformation, disinformation, and manipulation.”
In a separate statement, Bishop Gerardo Alminza of San Carlos also urged Filipinos to closely monitor the impeachment.
Duterte is accused of systematic misappropriation of confidential funds totaling 612.5 million Philippine pesos (about $10 million) paid to the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education during his tenure as Education Secretary, including irregular disbursements, questionable liquidations and recipients who could not be verified.
The allegations also include that she amassed wealth disproportionate to her legitimate income and failed to accurately disclose her assets.
He allegedly bribed government officials to influence procurement and financial decisions.
Additionally, he was also accused of issuing death threats to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
What’s next for the Senate?
The articles of impeachment were transmitted to the Senate on May 13, and the Senate is required to act as the impeachment court.
The Senate would hold a trial in which senators would act as both judge and jurors. Removal from office requires a two-thirds vote of all senators – 16 out of 24 – for conviction.
If convicted and removed from office, Duterte would be barred from holding any public office. She has already announced her candidacy for the 2028 presidential election.
The previous impeachment by the House in February 2025 was struck down by the Supreme Court on constitutional grounds.
