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Manila (Fides News Agency) – The impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte are “a democratic demonstration of accountability” and not “political persecution,” remarked Bishop José Colin Bagaforo, Bishop of Kidapawan, coordinator of the "Interreligious Council of Leaders for National Transformation, in which representatives of religious communities, civil society organizations, associations, unions, and student movements unite to raise public awareness of the problem of corruption through nationwide initiatives.
The House of Representatives has approved a second impeachment proceeding against Vice President Sara Duterte, following the first in 2025. The charges of corruption, bribery, illegal wealth, misappropriation of public funds, and threatening Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have been reinstated. The lower house voted 257 in favor, 25 against, with 9 abstentions, to impeach Sara Duterte, the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte. If the Senate confirms the proceedings, Sara Duterte will be removed from office and permanently barred from holding public office, effectively ending her political career.
Sara Duterte was previously impeached in 2025 on other charges, but the Supreme Court dismissed the case on procedural grounds. In a public statement, Bishop Bagaforo remarked, “Impeachment is a constitutional and democratic process designed to ensure that public officials entrusted with immense power, remain accountable to the people.” He emphasized that “no citizen should fear a fair trial.” According to Bishop Bagaforo, who is also president of the Episcopal Commission for Interreligious Dialogue, Sara Duterte should see this process as "an opportunity for the public rehabilitation of her name," while a rejection "could further undermine trust in the government, especially in a country long plagued by allegations of corruption." He hopes that the government, civil society, the judiciary, and the public will work together so that "the impeachment process proceeds peacefully and transparently" and "the truth comes to light and justice prevails."
At this stage in Philippine history, the nation's future is at stake, declared Baptist lawmaker Bienvenido Abante, who emphasized that the case raises the question of whether one still believes that no one is above the law. The case now goes to the Senate, a 24-member body, more than half of whom are considered supporters and allies of the Duterte family after the 2025 midterm elections. For an impeachment trial to proceed, at least two-thirds of the senators, or 16 votes, would be required. In a statement released today, May 12, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines appealed to the senators to fulfill their constitutional duty by continuing the proceedings, hearing the evidence, and deciding the case based on truth, justice, and the rule of law. The bishops appealed to the senators, requesting "that the trial is not delayed and that the Senate be convened as an impeachment tribunal as soon as possible," according to the statement signed by Archbishop Gilbert Garcera, president of the Philippine Bishops' Conference. The bishops warned the senators against actions that could be interpreted as "violating constitutional duties" or "undermining confidence in democratic institutions during a politically sensitive national trial." The Philippine bishops are urging citizens to “remain vigilant, monitor developments, and defend themselves against misinformation and fake news related to the impeachment proceedings.” “Our deepest desire and most fervent prayer is that the truth will come to light,” they declared. Referring to the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima on May 13, the bishops call for prayers for the political leaders and the entire nation. Observers point out that this case highlights the conflict between the Duterte and Marcos families: Although representatives of both clans, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte, ran together and won the 2022 presidential election, the two families subsequently clashed politically. The rift deepened after the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who was supported by the Marcos administration. He was arrested on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in The Hague for murders related to his presidency's anti-drug campaign. The trial is still ongoing. (PA) (Fides News Agency, 12/5/2026)
