CBCP withholds comment on impeachment trial

MANILA, Philippines - The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) withheld yesterday the issuance of any statement on the ongoing impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, saying they trust the way Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile is presiding over the proceedings.

CBCP president Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said they feel that there is no strong clamor from the people for them to issue a statement unlike before.

“In principle, the sentiment of the bishops is that we believe in the process. We believe the senators are doing good. The ball is already in their hands,” Archbishop Palma explained during the 104th Plenary Assembly of all the bishops in the country.

The CBCP president added, “Because of our trust with the senators, with the system, what we are saying is we are praying (for) enlightenment but with the belief that the expertise of the senators, in particular Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, it will come to a resolution.”

In the past assembly meetings, the CBCP has issued pastoral statements on national issues such as the “Hello, Garci” scandal as well as issues on mining, gambling and the controversial Reproductive Health bill.

“Unlike in other CBCP (meetings) where we feel that the sentiments of the people, expecting a statement is very strong, this time... I think in general, they trust the Senate will do their job,” Palma noted.

Palma believes, the impeachment is a legal matter that should be left to the lawmakers.

“It is the work of politicians... the political and legal matters. They were elected to think about the laws while our work is basically to evangelize,” Palma stressed.