Church social action groups back impeachment trial as Senate convenes court for Sara Duterte case

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (May 19) — Social action networks from Catholic archdioceses and dioceses across the country have backed the call of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines to proceed with the impeachment trial of Sara Duterte as the Senate formally convened Monday, May 18, as an impeachment court.

In a statement issued Sunday and signed by 36 bishops, archbishops, and diocesan social action directors, the groups urged senators to fulfill what they described as their constitutional duty to hear the case.

“We appeal to the members of the Senate to abide by what the Constitution directs: to proceed with the trial,” the church-based social action networks said.

The groups also committed to mobilizing communities nationwide in support of the impeachment proceedings, describing the effort as both a civic and spiritual response to recent political developments.

Planned activities include communal prayers, Masses, prayer rallies in public plazas, synchronized ringing of church and community bells at noon and 6 p.m., and candle-lighting during evening prayers.

“Let us bring this effort to as many communities as possible all over the country and pray that we will truly be united in prayer and action in our hopes and dreams for our country and people,” the statement read.

The networks said the activities were prompted by recent developments in the Senate, stressing the need for vigilance in defending democratic institutions and the rule of law.

“The events in the Senate in the past days make 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,” the statement added.

The convening of the Senate as an impeachment court marks a major political showdown involving Duterte, whose case has sharply divided political camps and triggered growing public engagement from religious, civic, and advocacy groups.