Religious leaders and evangelical groups in the Philippines are calling on the Senate to proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying accountability and the rule of law must prevail amid allegations of corruption and abuse of power.
The InterReligious Leaders’ Council for National Transformation (ILCNT) said the impeachment process should move forward without political interference, describing the proceedings as necessary to establish truth and uphold public trust.
“Accountability is not political harassment. Justice is not destabilization,” council convenor Bishop Colin Bagaforo said in a statement.
The House of Representatives earlier approved impeachment complaints against Duterte, who faces allegations including misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth and threats against government officials. Duterte has denied the accusations and described the impeachment effort as politically motivated.
In a separate May 16 statement, the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) condemned corruption and called for impartial investigations regardless of political affiliation.
“We call for transparency and integrity in all inquiries,” the statement said. “Selective justice is no justice at all.”
The evangelical group described corruption as a political and spiritual issue, saying truth and accountability are biblical responsibilities rather than political slogans.
“The pulpit must remain a beacon of truth, not a platform for partisan propaganda,” the statement said.
Church leaders emphasized prayer, repentance and discipleship as essential to national transformation, saying political reforms alone cannot heal the country’s deeper moral crisis.
Church leaders warned that delaying the impeachment trial could weaken democratic institutions and erode public trust in government accountability.
The impeachment case has intensified tensions between Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose political alliance has fractured in recent months.
Duterte’s allies continue to oppose the impeachment proceedings, arguing the case is intended to damage her politically.
