MANILA (LiCAS News): The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines [CBCP] expressed concern on July 8 over the Senate’s delay in addressing the impeachment process regarding vice president, Sara Duterte.
“We are disturbed by the Senate’s inaction in fulfilling the constitutional requirement for the impeachment process of the vice president,” the bishops stated in a pastoral letter released a day after their plenary assembly in Anda, Bohol province. The CBCP emphasised that impeachment, when pursued with integrity, is a “legitimate democratic mechanism for transparency and accountability in governance.”
The Church leaders urged Catholics to reject “moral indifference” and engage actively in national issues with openness and faith. “We call our faithful to combat moral indifference, listen to all sides with openness, and foster a culture of engaged citizenship rooted in our Christian faith,” the statement continued.
In addition to the impeachment issue, the CBCP addressed ongoing humanitarian concerns, including the conflict in Gaza and the situation of Filipino workers demanding fair wages.
Regarding Gaza, the bishops condemned what they described as the “weaponization of starvation” and called for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate negotiations.
We are disturbed by the Senate’s inaction in fulfilling the constitutional requirement for the impeachment process of the vice president
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
“We urge the faithful to pray, fast, and offer sacrifices for peace in Gaza and throughout the world. War spares no one, and there is no victory in war; the innocent suffer the most,” the statement read. “Let food and much-needed humanitarian aid benefit all.”
The bishops called for a “sustained culture of peace rooted in justice, mercy, and our shared humanity, transcending race, religion, and politics.”
Addressing labour issues, the bishops acknowledged that many Filipino workers earn below living wages and stressed that justice must begin within Church institutions. “We recognise that justice begins at home. The Church must lead by example in ensuring fair salaries, benefits, and dignified treatment of workers in our Church institutions,” the CBCP stated.
They called for dialogue among labour sectors, employers, and the government to pursue solutions for living wages and job security, in line with Catholic social teaching. The CBCP also urged solidarity across all sectors—from clergy and laity to workers and political leaders—to build a just and peaceful society.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
“In this Jubilee Year, let us reignite our hope, strengthen our solidarity, and remain vigilant in our stewardship of truth, justice, and the dignity of every human person,” the bishops concluded.
