Bishop Noel Pedregosa of Malaybalay has called for a “healthy and democratic” impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte. The appeal was made during a parochial fiesta mass for the city’s patron saint, San Isidro Labrador.
During his homily, Pedregosa urged public officials to prioritize honesty, accountability, and transparency in their governance of the country. He emphasized that his call was not a personal attack on the Vice President but an effort to encourage truth in public service.
“I ask with all humility, hangyoon ta ka mo (I appeal to you) — madayon unta (may it push through) — a healthy and democratic impeachment process for Vice President Sara Duterte,” the bishop stated.
Church Leadership and Constitutional Duty
The bishop’s remarks align with a broader stance taken by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). In a May 12 statement, the CBCP urged the Senate to move forward with the impeachment trial in accordance with the Constitution.
Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa, the CBCP president, signed the statement calling on senators to decide the case by summoning witnesses and hearing testimony. The bishops stressed that voting should be based on evidence and the “demands of righteousness and justice.”
The CBCP further warned that delaying the trial would effectively delay justice for both the Filipino people and the Vice President. They cautioned senators against circumventing constitutional requirements or evading their sworn duties.
A Call for Public Vigilance
Beyond the legal proceedings, the CBCP has urged the Filipino public to remain vigilant. The bishops warned against the influence of “misinformation, disinformation, and manipulation” during this period.
The church expressed hope that following the constitutional process would serve to strengthen the rule of law and restore public trust in democratic institutions.
Internal Reforms in Malaybalay
Bishop Pedregosa is also applying these principles of accountability within his own jurisdiction. He announced plans to strengthen financial transparency across the Diocese of Malaybalay.
A pastoral visit with the Diocesan Finance Council is scheduled for July 2026. This initiative is intended to promote good governance and honesty within local parishes, with the bishop stating, “We should be your model of these good values.”
Possible Next Steps
The Senate may now face increased pressure to proceed with the trial and summon witnesses as requested by the CBCP. The Diocese of Malaybalay is likely to implement new financial transparency measures following the scheduled July 2026 visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary goal of Bishop Pedregosa’s appeal?
The bishop called for a “healthy and democratic” impeachment process to inspire the Vice President and other public servants to promote honesty, accountability, and transparency in governance.
What did the CBCP advise the Senate to do?
The CBCP urged senators to proceed with the trial by summoning witnesses, hearing testimony, and voting according to evidence and the demands of justice, warning that delaying the trial is a delay of justice.
How is the Diocese of Malaybalay addressing transparency internally?
The bishop has planned a pastoral visit with the Diocesan Finance Council in July 2026 to promote good governance, accountability, and honesty within the parishes.
Do you believe that constitutional processes are the most effective way to ensure accountability in high-ranking public offices?
