No CBCP statement on Corona impeachment trial

MANILA, Philippines (Jan 30, 2012) - Feeling no clamor from the people, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) decided yesterday to put on hold the issuance of any statement on the ongoing impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, adding that they pray for enlightenment and they trust the way Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile is presiding over the proceedings.

CBCP president Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said that while the they had issued statements on important national events in the past, they will not be doing it this time because there is no strong compulsion from the people for them to do so.

“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. (From Philstar.com)