Mass for ‘Peace and Accountability’ to Be Held at EDSA Shrine Amid Senate Tensions

MANILA, Philippines — A coalition of religious leaders and civic organizations will hold a Mass for “peace and accountability” at the EDSA Shrine on Sunday, May 17, amid growing political tensions surrounding the Senate and the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

The event is being organized by the Clergy for Good Governance, which said the gathering aims to call for truth, justice, and accountability following the recent shooting incident inside the Senate compound and ongoing controversies involving public officials.

Organizers said a public program will begin at 10 a.m. outside the shrine, followed by a Holy Mass at 12 noon to be presided over by Teodoro Bacani Jr..

In a statement posted online, the group emphasized the importance of accountability in government service.

“The Senate was created to uphold accountability, not shield those facing serious questions before the Filipino people,” the group said.

The organization also urged Senator Ronald dela Rosa to address allegations connected to the International Criminal Court investigation into the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign, stressing that “accountability is not persecution.”

The Mass comes as the Senate prepares for the possible convening of an impeachment court against Duterte. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano earlier stated that the chamber could formally convene on May 18.

Meanwhile, civic coalition Tindig Pilipinas confirmed it would participate in the gathering alongside members of the House prosecution team.

Organizers said the event is open to the public and meant to encourage unity, peace, and respect for democratic institutions amid the country’s heated political climate.