By Helen Castaño | 03:38 PM May 09, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Philippines— Cebu Archbishop Alberto “Abet” Uy has urged lawmakers to be guided by conscience, truth, and moral responsibility as the House of Representatives prepares to vote on the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a statement titled “A Pastoral Guide for Lawmakers on the Question of Impeachment,” Uy reminded legislators that public service carries both political and moral responsibilities.
“Public service is not only a political duty; it is also a moral responsibility before God and the people,” Uy said. “When a Catholic lawmaker is asked to vote on an impeachment process, the decision should never be treated lightly or reduced to mere political strategy, personal loyalty, or partisan interest.”
The House of Representatives is expected to vote on May 11 on whether to formally impeach Duterte and transmit the complaint to the Senate for trial.
Uy said lawmakers should approach the issue with a prayerfully formed conscience and focus on what is true, just, and beneficial for the nation rather than on political advantage.
“If there is sufficient basis or probable cause under the law, allowing the constitutional process to proceed does not automatically mean condemning a person as guilty,” he said. “Rather, it may simply mean allowing the truth to be examined properly, fairly, and transparently.”
The archbishop also cautioned lawmakers against making decisions out of anger, fear, blind loyalty, political pressure, or personal ambition, stressing that national issues must be guided by moral integrity rather than political convenience.
Uy encouraged legislators to seek guidance through prayer, consultation with constitutional experts and trusted advisers, and discernment rooted in truth and justice. He also warned against surrendering one’s conscience to political patrons, pressure groups, or public pressure.
He concluded by reminding public officials that they would ultimately answer not only before the people or political parties, but before God.
“In the end, every Catholic lawmaker must decide according to truth, justice, the Constitution, the common good, and a conscience formed before God,” he said.
