Nanawagan ang mga obispo at pari sa Senado na sundin ang Constitution at huwag i-delay ang impeachment trial ni Vice President Sara Duterte, na nakatakdang magsimula sa Lunes, May 18.
Inilabas ng Diocesan Social Action Network ng member archdioceses at dioceses sa People’s Power Movement at Bayanihan Alay sa Kapwa ng Caritas Philippines ang pahayag noong May 17, Ascension Sunday at Seventh Sunday of Easter.
“We make this urgent appeal to not delay the trial and to convene the Senate as an impeachment court at the soonest possible time,” saad ng network.
“To delay the trial is to delay justice for both the Filipino people and the Vice President,” dagdag nito.
Giit ng grupo, dapat sundin ng mga senador ang malinaw na direksyon ng Constitution.
“We appeal to the Members of the Senate to abide by what the Constitution directs: to proceed with the trial and . . . adhere to the rule of law and serve the common good in the pursuit of justice and truth,” sabi ng grupo.
Nilagdaan ang statement nina Most Rev. Gerardo A. Alminaza, D.D.; Most Rev. Raul B. Dael, D.D.; Most Rev. Dennis C. Villarojo, D.D.; Most Rev. Edwin O. Panergo, D.D.; Most Rev. Edwin A. de la Peña, D.D.; Most Rev. Napoleon B. Sipalay, Jr., D.D.; Most Rev. Victor B. Bendico, D.D.; Most Rev. Daniel O. Presto, D.D.; Most Rev. Mylo Hubert C. Vergara, D.D.; Most Rev. Louie P. Galbines, SThD, D.D.; Most Rev. Broderick S. Pabillo, D.D.; Most Rev. Jose Colin M. Bagaforo, D.D.; Most Rev. Crispin B. Varquez, D.D.; Most Rev. Reynaldo G. Evangelista, D.D.; at Most Rev. Pablito M. Tagura, SVD, D.D.
Hinimok din nila ang publiko na bantayan ang proceedings.
“To our fellow Filipinos, let us fulfill our civic duties and responsibilities by ensuring a fair and credible trial so that all may see and hear clear, verified evidence and arguments,” saad nito.
“We must also remain vigilant in monitoring the proceedings. In this way, we uphold the truth, safeguard the integrity of public discourse, and strengthen our nation against misinformation, disinformation, and manipulation,” dagdag ng grupo.
Sinabi rin ng network na kikilos ito kasama ang mga komunidad at iimbitahan ang publiko, anuman ang relihiyon o church affiliation, na mag-organisa ng activities bilang suporta.
“The events in the Senate in the past days make it more important that we peacefully organize as a nationwide network and be vigilant in safeguarding our democratic institutions and upholding the rule of law,” saad ng statement.
“In these difficult times, may we resist division, deception, hatred, and indifference. May we become a people formed by truth, guided by conscience, and united in love of God and country,” dagdag nito. /Bistado