Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy issued a pastoral appeal asking the Senate to promptly convene an impeachment court, as well as for the Philippine government to show the public that its investigation into the flood control controversy is being pursued “seriously, sincerely, and without favoritism.”
“We are now living in a time when many of our people are becoming divided, confused, and emotionally burdened because of political tensions, conflicting opinions, fake news, and disinformation. Many are asking: What is really true? Whom should we believe?” Uy said in his appeal.
“In moments like this, we must be careful not to allow anger, hatred, mockery, and political fanaticism to take over our hearts. If we lose our capacity to listen, reflect, and respect one another, our nation will suffer even more,” he added.
The Catholic leader said Filipino and Christian faithful are “called not only to pray, but also to seek truth, justice, honesty, and the common good.”
He said there are important principles that should unite Filipinos despite their differences, namely, a desire to end corruption, belief that anyone accused of corruption or misuse of public funds should be properly investigated and face the proper consequences if proven guilty, and adherence to fairness and due process.
“The tension arises when people begin to feel that justice is not being applied equally. Some ask why certain personalities are pursued quickly while others, especially those allegedly involved in the flood-control anomalies, seem not to be investigated with the same urgency,” Uy said.
“Whether these perceptions are accurate or not, our people need reassurance that justice is fair, impartial, and not selective,” he added.
The archbishop likewise appealed to his brother bishops to continue speaking clearly and courageously.
“We should be just as strong in urging a swift and credible investigation into the flood control anomalies as we are in calling for the proper constitutional process regarding the impeachment case,” Uy said.
“My dear brothers and sisters, this is not the time for hatred. This is not the time for blind loyalty to politicians. This is the time to love our country honestly, prayerfully, and responsibly,” he concluded.
