CBCP willing to mediate between Palace, SC

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MANILA, Philippines - Leaders of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) are offering their services to mediate between the Supreme Court and Malacañang.

CBCP Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs chairman Kalookan Bishop Deogracias Iñiguez, Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes, Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez and Lingayen Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz said they are ready to assume the roles of peacemakers and facilitators.

They said there is no “political motive and political interest” on their part.

In an interview with Radio Veritas, Bastes said: “I am okay with that especially this time of Christmas. A time for peace, reconciliation, understanding and respect to each other. Tama yung sinabi ni Pope Benedict 16th na dapat ngayong pasko ay magkaroon tayo ng reflection sa ating mga sarili and repentance…”

President Benigno Aquino III, who was with Chief Justice Renato Corona during Monday’s first Criminal Justice Summit, lambasted the SC for its decisions that, he said, derailed his anti-corruption efforts.

He also took a swipe at the appointment of Corona, who was appointed chief justice during the election period. The high court, in allowing an appointment of the chief justice by the president, said the midnight rule does not cover its own ranks.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile yesterday dismissed the suggestions of some of his colleagues that Congress mediate between the 2 clashing branches of government. He suggested that the church, which is supposed to be an apolitical arm, should do the job.

Advice to PNoy

Iñiguez said there are things that need to be threshed out in private.

“Dapat tingnan ng ating dalawang pinakamataas na pinunong ito ang reaksyon o feedback ng mga tao tungkol sa nangyaring ito. Bilang lingkod bayan, sana maging open sila, maging sensitive sila sa mga damdamin ng bayan, maraming mga personal na mga bagay na dapat nilang isantabi o talakayin privately at hindi sa publiko,” he said.

Bastes said Aquino should just concentrate on the problems of the country. He said it is not good for everyone if two of the country’s powerful leaders are clashing.

“Hindi dapat pakialaman ni Pangulong ang kapangyarihan ng Hudikatura. That should not be. I would say that PNoy should respect also the judiciary because that’s an independent branch of the government,” he added.

Gutierrez added both camps should just get their act together to bring former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to justice.

“At this point I want really justice. Trial and justice. The nation must have justice, otherwise without justice ay walang peace,” he said.

Childish

Cruz, on the other hand, also told Radio Veritas that Aquino is acting childish. He believes that Aquino is already making the issue personal between him and Corona.

“Ang tingin ko ang pangulo ay masyadong kulang ang kaalaman, hindi lamang tungkol sa konstitusyon. Pantay-pantay ang executive, legislative at judiciary [hindi] ang akala niya. Basta ang batas ay hindi sang-ayon lang sa gusto niya,” he said.

He said he pities Aquino for his limited knowledge of the Constitution.

He also advised Corona not to be bullied by Aquino.

source: abs-cbnnews.com