The social action arm of the Catholic Church in the Philippines has urged public officials to uphold justice and prioritize the common good as impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte progress.
Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, President of Caritas Philippines called on “all public officials to uphold the truth and ensure that justice prevails,” adding, “The impeachment process serves as an essential mechanism in our democracy to maintain accountability among those in power.”
The prelate commended the House of Representatives for addressing serious allegations through constitutional processes, reflecting the public’s demand for accountability.
“This demonstrates that our democratic institutions are functioning as intended. No leader should be beyond scrutiny, and governance must always serve the common good,” Bishop Bagaforo added.
The House of Representatives voted on Feb. 5 to impeach Duterte over allegations of misusing public funds.
A total of 215 legislators backed the impeachment, clearing the threshold for the case to advance to the Senate, where a trial will determine her fate.
The impeachment highlights the widening divide between Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The House, led by Speaker Martin Romualdez, Marcos’ cousin, is largely aligned with the president.
The Office of the President has distanced itself from the proceedings. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, said the “power to initiate and act on impeachment complaints is the sole prerogative” of Congress.
“Out of respect for institutions, the President will not interfere in a matter over which a co-equal branch has exclusive jurisdiction,” he added.
Gabriela Women’s Party, a complainant in the case, called the House vote “an initial victory for the Filipino people in their fight against corruption and abuse of power.”
Sarah Elago, a former representative and lead complainant in the second impeachment case, said the move was a response to public pressure.
“Ang impeachment na ito ay bunga ng matinding panawagan ng mamamayan para papanagutin si Vice President Sara Duterte sa pang-aabuso sa pondo ng bayan at malawakang katiwalian,” Elago said.
She urged the process to lead to reforms in government spending, particularly advocating for the removal of confidential funds, which she described as a “tool for corruption.”
Duterte is accused of misusing PHP 612.5 million (USD 14.3 million) in confidential funds allocated to the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, which she led until resigning from the Cabinet in June 2024. The funds were disbursed in 2022 and 2023.
Three impeachment complaints were filed in late 2024 by civil society groups, but lawmakers delayed action. Analysts believe Marcos was reluctant to be directly associated with the process.
On Jan. 13, Iglesia ni Cristo, a religious group with an estimated 1.8 million members, staged a protest against the impeachment.
However, a Social Weather Stations survey found that 41% of Filipinos support Duterte’s removal, while 35% oppose it and 19% remain undecided.
A fourth impeachment complaint, filed by administration allies on Feb. 5, led to an immediate plenary vote, bypassing the usual committee process.
The Marcos-Duterte alliance, formed in the 2022 election, has fractured. In 2024, Congress investigated Duterte’s handling of public funds and revisited the anti-drug campaign of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The elder Duterte remains under investigation by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity during his presidency.
Tensions escalated in November 2024 when Duterte allegedly threatened Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Romualdez, saying she would have them assassinated if she were killed amid their political dispute.
Caritas Philippines has urged all stakeholders to approach the proceedings with fairness, integrity, and respect for the rule of law.
“We must not let political divisions overshadow our primary concern: the welfare of our people. Leadership requires responsible governance, just allocation of resources, and equal access to justice,” Bishop Bagaforo said.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to ethical leadership and participatory democracy. Bagaforo urged the “faithful and all sectors of society to remain vigilant, prayerful, and actively engaged in protecting our democratic principles.”
“As we navigate this critical period, let us work together to build a society that upholds truth, justice, and the dignity of every Filipino,” Bishop Bagaforo added.
