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Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Vidal appeals to Ruiz, Ace for 'patriotism, decency'
CEBU -- Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal joined thousands of Cebuanos in defending the Supreme Court Chief Justice and fighting for an independent judiciary, as he appealed to Cebuano representatives in Congress to reconsider their course of action.
In a pastoral statement on the impeachment of Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., Vidal said the Roman Catholic Church in Cebu would fight for the independence of the judiciary to serve the common good.
Vidal also appealed to the "sense of patriotism and basic decency" of Cebu Reps. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz (6th district) and Ace Durano (5th district) "to uphold the interest of the country first."
Soon-Ruiz and Durano were among the over 90 legislators who signed the impeachment complaint against Davide over his alleged misuse of the Judiciary Development Fund.
In the two-page document he wrote Tuesday, Vidal defended not only the country's judiciary but the Cebuano Chief Justice as well, who "is a truly a good Christian and a good statesman."
"As fellow Cebuanos, we know Chief Justice Davide to be a man of principle and fidelity, as shown in his private life and as an active member of the church of Cebu. His track record as a public servant is unassailable in honesty, integrity and competence," the cardinal's pastoral statement said.
"We therefore appeal to the congressmen who signed the impeachment against the chief justice, especially to our Cebuano representatives, to reconsider their course of action. Our nation has suffered enough," Vidal said.
Unlike his stand on the impeachment of former president Joseph Estrada in 2000, which ran counter to the sentiments of the Cebuanos, Vidal's statement Tuesday echoed the voice of thousands of Filipinos.
Before issuing the letter Tuesday afternoon, Vidal met with top church officials to discuss the impeachment issue and the official stand of the archdiocese.
Simultaneous with Vidal's meeting at the archbishop's residence, the Citizens for Judicial Independence (CJI) also discussed their activities in campaigning against the impeachment, which included a noise barrage last night, a motorcade and a prayer vigil at the Palace of Justice.
Until late Tuesday afternoon, Vidal remained silent on the impeachment issue, saying he does not know yet the circumstances of the impeachment.
The cardinal arrived from his month-long visit in Rome last Saturday morning and had time to discuss the issue with the church leaders only Tuesday.
In his homily during the novena mass at the San Narciso parish in Consolacion, Cebu last Monday night, Vidal criticized "hypocrites" who speak ill of others just to ruin the good image and reputation of other people.
"It's for everybody in general because I am talking about the gospel. Bato-bato sa langit, kung sino ang tamaan, huwag magalit, iyon na lang," Vidal said in jest when asked if he referred to Davide's detractors.
CJI convenor Fr. Carmelo Diola said he is thankful that the cardinal is one with civil society groups in Cebu in endorsing anti-impeachment activities, which CJI started last Monday.
Vidal urged his flock to hold triduum masses in the parishes to reflect on his pastoral statement and to offer prayer vigils in churches and designated prayer tents for "an expeditious, just and peaceful resolution of the crisis."
He also urged the Cebuanos to join prayer rallies for a sustained action of solidarity, as he invoked the intercession of the Cebu patroness, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Blessed Pedro Calungsod and the Sto. Niņo.
If the articles of impeachment are submitted to the Senate, Diola said they will hold a grand indignation rally in Fuente Osmeņa.
"Ultimately, it's a question of morality. You cannot say that businessmen and priests cannot be involved because there is morality involved here," Diola said in a press conference of the CJI ad hoc committee Tuesday.
CJI is a multi-sectoral movement composed of civil society groups, businessmen, clergy, religious, professionals and youth.
(October 29, 2003 issue)
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