MANILA, May 27, 2012—Some Catholic prelates expressed optimism that the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona would teach appropriate lessons to everyone in government service.
Bacolod Bishop Vicente M. Navarra told CBCPOnline Radio, that "God allowed these events to happen so that the evil done and the evil intent of men will be uncovered and Truth will come out and Justice is vindicated."
Navarra believes both the prosecution and defense "have their own hidden agenda which will greatly affect the common good and the country's welfare."
The impeachment trial that has generated a lot of publicity is expected to draw to a close in a day or two.
Jaro Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo said he is praying for all those involved in the impeachment trial— from prosecutors to the defense lawyers, senator-judges and Chief Justice Renato C. Corona.
"I pray that all of them may act according to honest conscience and objective truth and evidence in whose favor it may be," the 71-year-old former CBCP president said.
He described the whole impeachment trial as "a very expensive court case in a very poor country."
Lagdameo said that Corona should be ready to give way to another Chief Justice, whether he is impeached or not.
Meanwhile, Isabela de Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad said he expects the senator-judges will be fair and will "not be swayed by political affiliation but by evidences presented."
He said he remains optimistic the impeachment trial will lead the country to its "shining moment" where true democracy lives.
Jumoad said with the impeachment proceedings, the world will respect the country and its leaders and would even attract foreign businessmen into investing in the Philippines.
For his part, Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco said he expects the impeachment trail to be “fair as it is a true test how our senator-judges conduct things and their sense of justice and transparency.”
“I hope the truth will come out and bring to light many questionable issues,” he further said.
However, Kalookan Bishop Deogracias S. Iniguez, Jr. said with the impeachment proceedings coming to its final chapter “we shall see what kind of public servants we have.” (Melo M. Acuna)