MANILA, Philippines — In a stinging rebuke of the recent power shift in the upper chamber, the Franciscans of the Province of San Pedro Bautista expressed “moral outrage” on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, describing the ouster of Senate President Vicente Sotto III as a “grave betrayal of public trust.”
In a formal statement, the religious group characterized the move as a calculated maneuver to shield Vice President Sara Duterte from her impending impeachment trial and to protect the vested interests of the new majority.
The statement, signed by Minister Provincial Fr. Lino Gregorio Redoblado, OFM, emphasized that the leadership change was not merely a matter of legislative procedure but a significant moral failure.
- Weakening Institutions: The Franciscans argued that democratic institutions are being weakened by “fear, compromise, and partisan calculation.”
- The “Shielding” Allegation: The group noted the “unfortunate timing” of the coup, which occurred just as the House of Representatives was finalizing the 257-25 vote to impeach the Vice President. They alleged that the installation of Alan Peter Cayetano was intended to ensure a “friendly” Senate Impeachment Court.
- A Call for Truth: “This is not merely politics. This is a moral issue. This is a question of truth,” Redoblado stated, adding that the impeachment process exists to ensure no public official is above accountability.
The religious order lamented what they called a “painful spectacle” in which political loyalty to an individual or a dynasty was placed above the common good.
- Impact on Oversight: The friars expressed concern that the reshuffling of committees—which saw critics of the administration lose key chairmanships—would stifle legitimate inquiry into government spending and human rights issues.
- Appeal to Senators: The Franciscans urged the 13 senators who voted for the change to “rediscover their conscience” and remember their primary duty to the Filipino people, rather than to their political patrons.
- Role of the Church: Reaffirming their commitment to social justice, the Franciscans vowed to continue speaking out against “political maneuverings” that prioritize power over the plight of the marginalized.
The Franciscans’ statement joins a growing chorus of criticism from civil society groups and religious organizations following the May 11 “Senate Coup.”
- The “Duterte Bloc”: The new leadership is widely viewed as a consolidation of the Duterte-aligned bloc in the Senate, which also recently voted to place Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa under protective custody to shield him from an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant.
- Impeachment Timeline: With the articles of impeachment now expected to be transmitted to the Senate by Wednesday, May 13, the newly installed leadership will be under intense public scrutiny as they convene the Impeachment Court.
“The Senate should be a sanctuary of the rule of law, not a refuge for those escaping accountability.” — Extract from the Franciscan Statement