The Social Action Network of the Catholic Church in the Philippines on Sunday launched a nationwide “prayer and action” initiative calling on Catholics to support efforts to proceed with the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte and uphold the rule of law amid rising political tensions.
In a statement issued by Caritas Philippines and the Social Action Network, together with at least 36 bishops, dozens of clergy, and diocesan social action directors from across the country, Church leaders said communities nationwide would organize prayers, public activities, and civic engagement initiatives following an appeal by Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.
“We appeal to the Members of the Senate to abide by what the Constitution directs: to proceed with the trial and . . . adhere to the rule of law and serve the common good in the pursuit of justice and truth,” the church leaders said.
The Church network warned senators against delaying the proceedings, saying, “To delay the trial is to delay justice for both the Filipino people and the Vice President.”
The statement was signed by Bishop Gerardo Alminaza of San Carlos, president of Caritas Philippines, along with bishops from dioceses and archdioceses across the country.
The impeachment of Duterte and the collapse of the Marcos-Duterte alliance have renewed attention on the influence of political dynasties in the Philippines, where powerful families continue to dominate national and local politics.
The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on allegations that include graft and an alleged assassination plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The complaint now moves to the Senate, which is expected to convene as an impeachment court on May 18.
At the same time, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, a close Duterte ally and former chief enforcer of the anti-drug campaign, briefly sought refuge inside the Senate complex while facing possible arrest tied to an International Criminal Court warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity.
The confrontation escalated on the night of May 13 when warning shots were reportedly fired during a tense standoff involving government agents pursuing the senator.
The impeachment of Duterte marks the latest rupture in what had been one of the country’s most dominant political alliances.
In the 2022 elections, Marcos Jr., son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., formed the “UniTeam” coalition with Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, delivering a landslide victory that consolidated the influence of both political families.
But the alliance began unraveling amid policy disagreements, public clashes between the Marcos and Duterte camps, and growing political tensions ahead of the 2028 presidential race.
Relations further deteriorated after Marcos allowed Philippine authorities to cooperate with the International Criminal Court investigation into Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign, which led to the former president’s arrest and transfer to The Hague in 2025.
VP Duterte later resigned from the Marcos cabinet as impeachment efforts against her intensified in Congress.
Church leaders said recent developments in the Senate made it “more important that we peacefully organize as a nationwide network and be vigilant in safeguarding our democratic institutions and upholding the rule of law.”
They linked the political tensions to broader national concerns, including the “flood control corruption scandal, the ICC drug war trial, the lobbying for a good anti-dynasty bill, and the economic hardships brought about by the Middle East conflict.”
The church leaders also encouraged Catholics to “adopt” senators, prosecutors, and defense lawyers in prayer and to promote “discerned and respectful discussion” of developments in the trial.
“In these difficult times, may we resist division, deception, hatred, and indifference. May we become a people formed by truth, guided by conscience, and united in love of God and country,” they said.
The Church network said the initiative would remain open to Filipinos “regardless of faith denomination or church affiliation.”
