Beejay Balagbis Posted on May 13, 2026 at 5:07 pm
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) made headlines this week with a statement urging the Senate to promptly convene as an impeachment court to hear the case against Vice President Sara Duterte. The bishops emphasized that delaying the trial would only prolong uncertainty for both the Filipino people and the Vice President herself, declaring, “To delay the trial is to delay justice for both the Filipino people and the Vice President.”
This call from the CBCP carries significant weight, as the church has long been a voice for accountability and fairness in our nation’s public life. The bishops did not take sides in the matter; instead, they focused on the principle that justice delayed is justice denied – for all parties involved.
Why This Matters Now
The impeachment process is not just about addressing allegations against a public official. It is about providing clarity to a nation that deserves to know the truth, one way or another. For the Vice President, every day the trial is put off means prolonged questions about her ability to lead effectively while under a cloud of impeachment. For the public, it means continued uncertainty about whether our institutions are capable of upholding the rule of law.
The CBCP’s statement acknowledges this reality. They recognize that the Filipino people need closure – whether the allegations are proven true or false. To let the case linger in limbo serves no one: not the Vice President, not the accusers, and certainly not citizens who rely on transparent governance to make informed decisions about our country’s future.
A Balance Between Fairness and Timeliness
Some may argue that rushing the process could compromise fairness, and they have a point. Impeachment is among the most serious actions our government can take, as it can remove a high-ranking official from office. Every safeguard must be in place to ensure the trial is conducted with due process – allowing both sides to present evidence, call witnesses, and make their case thoroughly.
But the bishops are right to push back against unnecessary delay. There is a difference between taking time to prepare properly and letting the matter stagnate. The Senate has the responsibility to move forward once the groundwork is laid, and the CBCP’s call is a reminder that the nation is watching and waiting for accountability to run its course.
The Church’s Role in Our Democracy
The CBCP’s statement also highlights the church’s role as a moral compass in our society – not to dictate political outcomes, but to advocate for principles that strengthen our democracy: transparency, accountability, and the timely administration of justice. They are not asking for a predetermined verdict; they are asking for the process to move forward so that our nation can move forward too.
For the Vice President, a prompt trial would allow her to address the allegations head-on and either clear her name or take responsibility for any wrongdoing. For the public, it would mean having the information needed to judge whether our leaders are upholding the standards we expect of them.
CBCP to Senate: Ensure Timely, Fair Impeachment Trial
Justice requires both fairness and speed. The CBCP has reminded us that our institutions must work efficiently to serve the people’s right to know. As we await the Senate’s response to this call, let us hope that the trial proceeds with the diligence, fairness, and timeliness that our democracy demands – ensuring that justice is not just done, but seen to be done.
