A nationwide Catholic clergy organization urged senators Tuesday to uphold the Constitution over political alliances as Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment moves to the Senate.
The appeal came after the House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted Monday to impeach Duterte, setting the stage for a trial in the Senate.
The Clergy for Good Governance said a sudden leadership shake-up in the Senate heightened public fears that accountability could again be sacrificed for political survival.
Senate President Vicente Sotto III was ousted and replaced by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano on the same day lawmakers at the lower house voted for impeachment.
“This is no longer just about personalities or politics,” the clergy said in a statement.
“It is about whether our institutions still have the courage to place truth above power, conscience above convenience, and the Constitution above political interests,” it said.
The group warned Filipinos have repeatedly seen political loyalties shift whenever influential leaders face legal or constitutional scrutiny.
“Do not allow the Senate to become a place where accountability is avoided and truth is weakened by political compromise,” the clergy said.
Outside the Senate, millions of Filipinos still hope justice applies equally, regardless of power or political status, the clergy said.
“At this critical moment, the Senate must decide whether it will stand for truth and accountability,” the statement said.
