Clergyman asks Santiago to watch her language

MANILA, Philippines—An official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines  on Thursday reminded Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago and other leaders of the country to avoid  using foul language during the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona in the Senate.

Fr. Conegondo Garganta, executive secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Youth, said Santiago and other members of the impeachment court should avoid using thrash talk at the Senate trial, which is telecast live on national television, so as not to set a bad example for children.

“It’s not only the old who are watching the ongoing trial of the Chief Justice. The children are also watching,” Garganta told the Church-run Radio Veritas.

“Our reminder is that we should not lose sight of good manners especially when it comes to our statements and in the words that we use. As ranking leaders of the country, we should be good role models for the youth,” he added.

Garganta said that if children see leaders like Santiago using foul language in criticizing others, they might think that it would be okay to use trash talk.

“If children see our leaders shouting and throwing around hurtful words, they’ll think that what their idols are doing is OK and there’s a big possibility that they will also do the same,” the priest said.

He said the dignity of a person should be respected regardless of whether he is poor or a criminal.