A day after the Senate handed a guilty verdict on Chief Justice Renato Corona, the leader of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) encouraged a divided nation to accept the verdict and “think of the things” that would unite the country.
“We pray that we all accept the verdict. We leave other matters to duly constituted legal entities,” said Cebu Archbishop Jose Palama in an official statement.
“During the impeachment process, we manifested our differences. We remain divided today. Can we transcend the division?”
Palma said that since the impeachment trial was over, it was time to move on.
“We have raised the bar of transparency and accountability of public officials. Let these values be owned up to by all leaders. We should do the same as citizens of our beloved Philippines,”
“The trial has ended but the challenging journey towards renewal should begin anew. Let us now turn our attention to the plight of the worker, the needs of the hungry, those who long for justice, love and peace.”
He also told CBCP News, the official news service of the church hierarchy, that Filipinos should keep in mind the need for unity: “I know the people are divided but we have to accept the verdict and I hope we think of the things that should unite us rather than things that would divide us.”
The senior prelate said the government’s call for transparency should also mean taking the challenge of Corona, who submitted an unconditional waiver allowing the scrutiny of all his bank accounts.
Palma said President Aquino must instruct his officials to do the same. “If they did this to one person then it is also appropriate for people who accused him to apply this transparency,” he said.
If the impeachment had one “good effect,” it was the “call to renewal,” said the archbishop. “It’s time to tune-up these mistakes of the past.”
Other members of the Church hierarchy also welcomed the Senate’s guilty verdict, describing it as “fair, evidence and conscience-based.”
Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros said the impeachment process showed that democracy was still working in the country. “I commend Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile for his excellent performance as presiding officer,” he said.
The bishop also said that Corona’s example of waiving his right to confidentiality of his bank accounts must be emulated by all public officials.
“Truth and justice prevailed while love and compassion were added bonus…hope has dawned and democracy was strengthened,” Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez told reporters.
Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco was also satisfied with the Senate’s decision. “I think they tried their best to make their judgment based on the arguments presented by both sides. They also used their conscience,” he said.
In appointing the next chief justice, Palma advised Mr. Aquino to heed and respect the suggestions of stakeholders and the Judicial Bar Council.
“After the impeachment trial, we are saying that we raised the bar of the judiciary. So, I think we know in our hearts what kind of person should be appointed,” said Palma.—–/with INQUIRER report