ARCHBISHOP of Cebu Alberto Uy has urged Filipinos to unite around accountability, due process and the common good as the Senate prepares to handle the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.
In a pastoral statement titled “A Pastoral Appeal to the Filipino People in a Time of National Tension,” Uy said the country should not allow political division, fake news and disinformation to drown out the principles that should guide public life.
“Despite our differences, there are important principles that should unite us as one people. First, we all desire an end to corruption,” Uy stated.
“We long for honesty, transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public funds. The resources of our nation must serve the people, especially the poor, and not selfish interests,” he added.
The archbishop said accountability must apply to all public officials accused of wrongdoing, regardless of political connection, family ties or influence.
“Second, we believe that anyone accused of corruption or misuse of public funds should be properly investigated and, if proven guilty, should face the proper consequences, regardless of power, wealth, or political and blood affiliation,” Uy stated.
At the same time, Uy said the constitutional process must remain fair, lawful and respectful of the right of the accused to answer the allegations.
“Third, we also believe in fairness and due process. Every accused person must be given the opportunity to defend himself or herself according to the law and within a just process,” Uy stated.
Uy’s appeal came as the Senate faces the task of acting on the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte, a proceeding that has intensified political divisions and raised questions on whether the chamber will hear the case fully and fairly.
The Cebu archbishop said public anxiety grows when citizens begin to suspect that justice is applied unevenly, making it necessary for institutions to show that accountability is pursued without selectivity.
“The tension arises when people begin to feel that justice is not being applied equally. Some ask why certain personalities are pursued quickly while others, especially those allegedly involved in the flood-control anomalies, seem not to be investigated with the same urgency,” Uy noted.
“Whether these perceptions are accurate or not, our people need reassurance that justice is fair, impartial, and not selective,” he added.
Uy also cited the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ May 12, 2026 appeal for the Senate to promptly convene as an impeachment court, while reminding the public that the CBCP has also spoken against corruption in other controversies.
“The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines itself has also received criticism. However, it is important to remember that, while the CBCP issued on May 12, 2026 an appeal for an impeachment court to be promptly convened by the Senate, the CBCP likewise issued a few months ago on September 8, 2025 a statement strongly condemning corruption related to the flood-control anomalies,” Uy stated.
Uy said bishops must continue to speak with clarity and courage in defense of truth, justice and the common good as the country passes through another period of political strain.
“At the same time, as a member of the CBCP, I also humbly appeal to my brother bishops that we continue speaking clearly and courageously in defense of truth, justice, accountability, and the common good. We should be just as strong in urging a swift and credible investigation into the flood-control anomalies as we are in calling for the proper constitutional process regarding the impeachment case,” Uy stated.
The archbishop warned Filipinos not to surrender their judgment to hatred, mockery or political fanaticism, especially when the country needs calm reflection and respect for truth.
“In moments like this, we must be careful not to allow anger, hatred, mockery, and political fanaticism to take over our hearts. If we lose our capacity to listen, reflect, and respect one another, our nation will suffer even more,” Uy stated.
Uy closed his pastoral appeal by urging the public to love the country honestly and responsibly, rather than blindly follow political personalities.
“My dear brothers and sisters, this is not the time for hatred. This is not the time for blind loyalty to politicians,” Uy stated.
“This is the time to love our country honestly, prayerfully, and responsibly,” he added.
