Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of the Diocese of Caloocan presides over an online mass at the San Roque Cathedral in Caloocan City, on the feast day of the patron saint against contagious diseases, August 16, 2021, amid the enhanced community quarantine. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File 

MANILA — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines on Tuesday called on senators to allow the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte "proceed without obstruction" and "let conscience guide your actions."

CBCP President Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David said that the Senate's constitutional duty to act on impeachment cases brought before it "is not optional" and is "a solemn mandate arising from the principle of checks and balances enshrined in our democratic system." 

"To delay, dismiss, or ignore such a process for reasons of political convenience is to betray the Constitution and the people’s trust. As stewards of public office, senators are not only answerable to the law but are also bound in conscience to act with integrity and impartiality,"  David said in a statement.

He said public officials should "transcend partisan interests and act in a spirit of justice and truth."

"The search for truth is not a political agenda; it is a moral imperative. We appeal to all senators, especially to those in leadership, to allow the constitutional process to proceed without obstruction," David said. 

"If there is nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear. Let conscience guide your actions. Let the truth take its course," he continued. 

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Monday took his oath as presiding officer of the impeachment court. 

Escudero takes oath as presiding officer of Senate impeachment court

Other senators on Tuesday will take their oath as judges before the Senate convenes as an impeachment court on Wednesday.

"While impeachment is by nature a political and quasi-judicial process, it is not exempt from the moral demands of truth, justice, and accountability. In a constitutional democracy, political authority must be exercised within the bounds of law and with respect for the truth. When politics serves only partisan interest, it degenerates into manipulation; but when it is guided by conscience and the common good, it becomes a noble service," David said.

Marcos on Duterte impeachment trial: We leave it to Senate

The impeachment trial was originally set to begin on June 2, but it was moved by Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero to June 11 to tackle legislative bills.

Former CBCP President Socrates Villegas previously urged the Senate to convene as an impeachment court, saying delays in the trial could be considered a  suppression of the truth and "a sin". 

Archbishop Villegas on Sara Duterte impeachment trial delay: Suppressing truth is 'a sin'

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