12/05/2026
A CALL TO PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY AND CONSTITUTIONAL FIDELITY
The John Wesley School of Law and Governance speaks as an academic community grounded in the Wesleyan tradition of justice, integrity, discipline, compassion, and responsible citizenship. At a time of serious constitutional and political tensions, silence from institutions committed to law and moral formation would be a failure of both conscience and duty.
We affirm that the Constitution is not merely a legal text, but a covenant of accountability between the government and the people. Its safeguards exist to ensure that public power remains subject to law and that no public official stands beyond scrutiny.
Viewed within this constitutional framework, the impeachment process involving Vice-President Sara Z. Duterte must be regarded as a legitimate democratic mechanism of accountability. It is neither an act of personal hostility nor an instrument of partisan convenience. Institutions constitutionally mandated to act are duty-bound to perform their responsibilities faithfully, promptly, and free from political calculation.
We express serious concern over developments that create the perception that constitutional processes may be delayed, weakened, or subordinated to expediency and political alliances. Public confidence in democratic institutions diminishes whenever constitutional duties appear negotiable rather than obligatory.
The Wesleyan tradition teaches ethical stewardship, disciplined conscience, humility in leadership, and fidelity to truth. These principles demand transparency, accountability, and unwavering respect for the Rule of Law, especially when adherence to constitutional duty becomes politically difficult.
We likewise affirm that accountability under both domestic and international law must apply equally to all persons. Justice cannot depend on rank, popularity, or political influence.
To our students, colleagues, members of the legal profession, and the Filipino people, this moment calls for vigilance, moral courage, and principled engagement. Constitutional democracy endures only when citizens insist that public officials remain accountable to both law and conscience.
The John Wesley School of Law and Governance remains steadfast in forming lawyers and leaders who embody competence with character, conviction with compassion, and governance with integrity. In the spirit of John Wesley’s call to “do all the good you can,” we stand firmly for truth, justice, constitutional order, and faithful public service. #