By Juliane Judilla
Movement Against Tyranny (MAT) Panay, a broad alliance of religious groups, progressive organizations, human rights advocates and paralegal workers, held a candlelight protest Monday evening, June 9, at Jaro Cathedral and the Liberal Party headquarters to call for the swift continuation of the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte.
The groups gathered at the cathedral grounds carrying candles and placards bearing calls for justice and accountability.
The activity marked the start of a three-day protest series organized by MAT Panay condemning what it described as attempts to delay or derail the impeachment process.
“This is not just a political crisis — it is a moral reckoning,” MAT Panay said in a statement.
“We reject all efforts to delay, derail or dilute this vital process,” the group added.
The vice president faces several serious charges, including the alleged misuse of PHP612.5 million in confidential and intelligence funds, bribery, unexplained wealth, political destabilization and links to extrajudicial killings.
MAT Panay said these accusations require immediate and transparent legal proceedings.
“These are not minor infractions,” the statement read.
“They strike at the very heart of public service and democratic accountability.”
Quoting the biblical prophet Amos, organizers highlighted the moral dimension of the protest, stating: “Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”
MAT Panay also called on law schools, Catholic institutions, private schools and community organizations to “take a principled stand” in support of constitutional due process.
The group announced a march protest will be held Tuesday, June 11, from West Visayas State University to the Iloilo Provincial Capitol from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by a noise barrage at 6 p.m.
Organizers said the public is invited to participate and emphasized that the issue transcends politics.
“We are summoned not only as citizens but as moral agents,” the group said.
“Let the impeachment trial proceed. Let the truth be heard. Let justice be done,” it added.
