A coalition of religious leaders, human rights advocates, and civil society groups has launched a campaign to push for the impeachment of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte.
The group aims to gather one million signatures within a month to pressure the Senate into initiating proceedings.
The People’s Impeachment Movement (PIM) formally introduced the campaign on Tuesday at Sacred Heart Parish in the Diocese of Cubao.
The event featured a symbolic ceremony condemning corruption and abuse of power, attended by religious organizations, sectoral representatives, and families of victims of extrajudicial killings.
Fr. Bong Sarabia, a co-filer of the third impeachment complaint against Duterte, expressed frustration over the Senate’s inaction.
“I am saddened that until now, the Senate has yet to act and begin the hearings. Senate President Chiz Escudero said there is supposedly no clamor to immediately start the impeachment trial,” he said at the press conference.
The group insisted that the Constitution mandates the immediate commencement of impeachment proceedings.
“I may not be a lawyer, but according to experts, the Constitution clearly states ‘forthwith!’ That means immediately. Not next month, not in July! That is why we are calling on the Senate to start the impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte without delay. This is their moral obligation,” said Fr. Flavie Villanueva.
The impeachment push stems from allegations of Duterte’s misuse of public funds, a matter that has been scrutinized in several House hearings.
Advocates argue that failing to hold her accountable would set a dangerous precedent and allow the Duterte political dynasty to regain control.
The movement urged civil society groups and the general public to support the initiative.
“This action is only the first of many to convince the Senate to begin Sara’s impeachment hearing. We are just the ones starting and igniting the fire in this fight,” said Fr. Dionito Cabillas of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente.
As part of their protest, activists burned seven dried palm leaves, symbolizing what they described as the “seven deadly sins” of the Duterte administration: lust for power, envy, greed, gluttony, sloth, wrath, and pride.
Seven relatives of extrajudicial killing victims participated in the ritual, reinforcing their call for justice.
“We have seen that VP Sara is not fit to be a public servant. She prioritized accumulating wealth over the education of our children. Let us not give her space in government. This will only happen if the Senate starts the impeachment process as soon as possible,” said Fr. Joel Saballa.
All photos by Angie de Silva
A faith-based coalition launched the “People’s Impeachment Movement” on Tuesday, March 5, 2025, in Quezon City. Led by Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD, and other church leaders, the group aims to gather one million signatures to urge the Senate to begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Photo by Angie de Silva.
A faith-based coalition launched the “People’s Impeachment Movement” on Tuesday, March 5, 2025, in Quezon City. Led by Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD, and other church leaders, the group aims to gather one million signatures to urge the Senate to begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Photo by Angie de Silva.
A faith-based coalition launched the “People’s Impeachment Movement” on Tuesday, March 5, 2025, in Quezon City. Led by Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD, and other church leaders, the group aims to gather one million signatures to urge the Senate to begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Photo by Angie de Silva.
A faith-based coalition launched the “People’s Impeachment Movement” on Tuesday, March 5, 2025, in Quezon City. Led by Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD, and other church leaders, the group aims to gather one million signatures to urge the Senate to begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Photo by Angie de Silva.
A faith-based coalition launched the “People’s Impeachment Movement” on Tuesday, March 5, 2025, in Quezon City. Led by Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD, and other church leaders, the group aims to gather one million signatures to urge the Senate to begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Photo by Angie de Silva.
A faith-based coalition launched the “People’s Impeachment Movement” on Tuesday, March 5, 2025, in Quezon City. Led by Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD, and other church leaders, the group aims to gather one million signatures to urge the Senate to begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Photo by Angie de Silva.
A faith-based coalition launched the “People’s Impeachment Movement” on Tuesday, March 5, 2025, in Quezon City. Led by Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD, and other church leaders, the group aims to gather one million signatures to urge the Senate to begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Photo by Angie de Silva.
A faith-based coalition launched the “People’s Impeachment Movement” on Tuesday, March 5, 2025, in Quezon City. Led by Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD, and other church leaders, the group aims to gather one million signatures to urge the Senate to begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Photo by Angie de Silva.
A faith-based coalition launched the “People’s Impeachment Movement” on Tuesday, March 5, 2025, in Quezon City. Led by Fr. Flavie Villanueva, SVD, and other church leaders, the group aims to gather one million signatures to urge the Senate to begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Photo by Angie de Silva.
