Close to 23,000 signatures back Davide in Cebu

As of 5 p.m. yesterday, close to 23,000 signatures of Cebuanos were gathered in support of Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.

"This is no longer a middle class phenomenon considering that the signatures gathered come from different sectors and classes of society," said Fr. Carmelo Diola, one of the convenors of the Citizens for Judicial Independence (CJI), the organizer of the signature campaign. Some 20,000 more are expected to affix their signatures today.

The signatures were gathered since Nov. 6 and will be brought to Manila and submitted to Congress.

CJI convenors yesterday said they have standby "couriers" in Manila who will bring the documents to Congress this morning. Copies will also be furnished President Arroyo.

The CJI is installing a giant tally sheet at the Fuente Osmeña today to show the number of signatures and to encourage more people to sign.

The CJI is also holding other protest actions like fasting while a Mass will be celebrated at 6:30 p.m. at the Redemptorist Church. A crowd of at least 15,000 is expected in the gathering.

Tonight’s Mass will carry the theme "Love Justice, Rebuke Injustice" while taking strength in the Scripture passage "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, they shall be satisfied."

Diola said it is no longer Davide who is on trial but it is now Congress which is under the scrutiny of the Filipino people. — Freeman News Service