The recent ruling of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, declaring the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte unconstitutional, sends a troubling message to the Filipino people: those who commit serious crimes—such as betrayal of public trust or plunder—may escape accountability. It risks fostering a perception that the powerful are above the law.
As the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court is meant to be the last bastion of justice, ensuring that justice is served impartially and without favor. Yet, its recent decision threatens the very image of Lady Justice—blindfolded to symbolize fairness and impartiality. In our view, this ruling lacks the substance and strength of real democratic safeguards.
Accountability of government officials is a foundational principle of democracy. It ensures that those in power are answerable for their actions and decisions. One of the constitutional mechanisms designed for this is impeachment. The Supreme Court’s ruling gravely undermines this safeguard by appearing to favor a high-ranking public official accused of serious offenses. It weakens the people’s ability to hold their leaders accountable.
The words of Proverbs 18:5 ring sharply in this moment: “It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice.” This verse speaks directly against legal corruption—where the powerful are granted impunity while the common people are denied justice.
https://www.uccpchurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/UCCP-COB-Statement-SC-Ruling-on-the-VP-Saras-impeachment-August-6.pdf
Few Days from now, the president of the country is set to take stock of where we are as a nation and what we need to do to move forward. The United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), also recognizes our role as a faith community dedicated to the vision of Shalom for the Filipino people and our calling as vigilant witnesses to the Kingdom of God, a place of justice, righteousness, and peace.
The vision of shalom that we are called to live out is very different from the growing social, political, and economic divides that are hurting our society. Shalom is not only the absence of conflict but the presence of comprehensive well-being, where creation, people, and God live in peace. As a church, we have to do something about the pain and unfairness we perceive, in keeping with the prophetic tradition of speaking truth to power. This is how we faithfully answer the call to be a Christian community that stands with the poor, the outcasts, and the oppressed.
https://www.uccpchurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/UCCP-COB-Statement-SONA-July-28-final.pdf
The United Church of Christ in the Philippines praises the God of justice and righteousness for blessing the Church with yet another victory through the recent acquittal of Rev. Nathaniel “Dodo” Vallente of Bohol Conference. We believe this triumph was made possible through the persistent cries and collective action of peace and justice advocates who have remained steadfast in their pursuit of truth and freedom.
After languishing in prison for three years and four months, Rev. Dodo endured the unimaginable—falsely accused and unjustly imprisoned on trumped-up charges of illegal possession of explosives. His only “crime” was answering the prophetic call to minister to the poor and to stand boldly alongside the oppressed and victims of injustice. His unwavering commitment to truth and compassion made him a target, yet he remained steadfast in his faith and mission. We can scarcely begin to fathom the pain, isolation, and emotional toll this ordeal inflicted—not only on Rev. Dodo himself, but also on his family, his congregation, and the wider community that looked to him for spiritual leadership. The suffering they endured in silence speaks volumes about the cost of prophetic witness in the face of systemic injustice.
Grace and peace to you all in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
With hearts full of thankfulness, not only to the gracious God, who is always just and faithful, but also to all of our constituents who have accompanied us on this challenging journey with their prayers, encouragement, and unshakable support.
As many of you are aware of, the Mandaluyong RTC court has issued an acquittal ruling in the perjury case filed against us. We accept this verdict with humility and reverence, knowing that justice belongs to God and that truth always prevails in His time.
Throughout this process, we relied upon the words of Psalm 37:6: “He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, your justice like the noonday sun.” It has been a time of trial, introspection, and increased faith in the Lord’s providence. Our hope has never been in legal systems, but rather in the One who rules over heaven and earth.
We want to emphasize that our integrity and purpose remain unfading. We harbor no resentment in our hearts toward anyone and hope that this chapter serves as a testament to God’s grace, not only for us but also for others who are going through challenging times.
As we carry on with our journey as your church leaders, we do so with a fresh sense of dedication and a greater understanding of the importance of justice, mercy, and compassion.
Let’s keep walking in love, supporting each other with grace, and trusting in the fair judgment of our God.
With all humility and thanksgiving,
PIO D. BACONGA
GRACE A. TY
BISHOP REUEL NORMAN O. MARIGZA
LAURO C. MILLAN
JOVITO I. GANADEN
BISHOP MELZAR D. LABUNTOG
BISHOP HAMUEL G. TEQUIS
BISHOP JAIME R. MORILES
BISHOP ELORDE M. SAMBAT
BISHOP JOEL E. TENDERO
BISHOP EMERGENCIO D. PADILLO (deceased)
https://www.uccpchurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/250425-Justice-like-a-noonday-sun.pdf
Sunday School Materials on Church Membership
- Nursery, Kinder and Preparatory Sunday School Materials
- Younger Elementary Sunday School Materials
- Older Elementary Sunday School Materials
- Youth Sunday School Materials
- Adult Sunday School Materials
Liturgical Resources (E.Y. 2025-2026)
Roots of Our Faith
- Nursery, Kinder and Preparatory Sunday School Materials
- Younger Elementary Sunday School Materials
- Middle Elementary Sunday School Materials
- Older Elementary Sunday School Materials
- Adult Sunday School Materials
- Graphics – Middle Elementary
Liturgical Resources (E.Y. 2024-2025)
- May 2025
- April 2025
- March 2025
- February 2025
- December 2024
- 25th Anniversary of the UCCP-IFI Covenant Partnership
- November 2024
- October 2024
- September 2024
- August 2024
- July 2024
- June 2024
Liturgical Resources (E.Y. 2023-2024)
- Christian Education and Nurture Month Celebration
- Christian Young Adult Fellowship Celebration Guide
- Liturgical Resource Material for Advent
- Liturgical Resource Material for Lent
Liturgical Resources (E.Y. 2022-2023)
– June 5, 2022
– August 28, 2022 – October 16, 2022
– Christian Education and Nurture Month Celebration
– October 23, 2022 – December 18, 2022
– Human Rights Week Celebration Guide 2022
– December 24, 2022 – January 8, 2023
– January 29, 2023 – February 26, 2023
Sunday School Lessons Archives
iddle
- Pastoral Letter to the Churches (07 July 2024)
- 12th Quadrennial General Assembly Statement
