Caritas Philippines urged Senate President Chiz Escudero to act swiftly on impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, days after the senator released the proposed calendar of the impeachment trial.

In the proposed timetable, Escudero disclosed that the proposed start of the actual judicial proceeding will be on 30 July, noting that all senators were made aware of the proposed calendar.

He added that the Senate "hopes to adhere to the foregoing schedule" and "will not tolerate any dilatory motion or pleading."

Escudero released the schedule amid calls from critics or the Senate to begin the proceedings immediately, citing the Constitution's use of the word "forthwith."

However, the Senate chief maintained that no trial would take place while Congress is on break.

In a statement, Caritas Philippines likewise called on Escudero and the Senate to ensure the impartial handling of the impeachment proceedings against Duterte, stressing that impeachment is a matter of national concern requiring urgent attention.

"Once an impeachment complaint is filed, government institutions must act swiftly and decisively," Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, Caritas Philippines president, said.

"Delays and hesitations in the process only weaken our democratic institutions and erode public trust in governance," Bagaforo added.

The prelate also pointed out that allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and negligence in public service "must be pursued with the same rigor as any grave crime."

"Corruption is a moral and social evil that robs the people of justice and dignity. Just as we seek justice in cases of violence and crime, we must be relentless in holding our leaders accountable for betraying public trust," Bagaforo said.

Duterte is accused of violating the Constitution and committing high crimes, including the misuse of up to P612.5 million in confidential funds, unexplained wealth, failure to declare her assets, and threats to assassinate President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The social arm of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines further stressed that "impeachment serves as a judicial process to hold our highest public officials accountable to standards of transparency and justice."

It added that Duterte "deserves a fair hearing within this constitutional framework, regardless of the allegations against her."

"We need the Senate, especially the Senate President, to embody patriotism and a true commitment to social justice," Bagaforo continued.

"The people are watching, and they deserve to see their leaders prioritize truth and accountability above political maneuvering," he added.

Caritas Philippines encouraged all Filipinos to remain vigilant and engaged in the democratic process, stressing that the impeachment proceedings should serve the interests of justice and good governance.

“We stand with every Filipino who seeks transparency and accountability,” Bagaforo concluded. “Now is the time for our leaders to prove that democracy works for the people, not for political convenience.”