Archbishop Villegas Slams Delay of Impeachment Process
Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates B. Villegas strongly condemned the delay of the impeachment process against Vice President Sara Duterte, calling it a “sin” and a serious injustice. He emphasized that delaying the impeachment process harms the nation’s pursuit of truth and justice.
In a firm pastoral letter titled “It is Wrong! It is a Sin!”, Villegas declared that suppressing or halting the impeachment trial is unconstitutional and morally wrong. He said, “To delay the trial or even to abort it is to suppress the TRUTH. It is a sin. The opponent, the devil, is rightly called Prince of Lies.”
The archbishop stressed his role “as a priest and shepherd” to contribute to the national dialogue, even as legal experts guide the proceedings. “The nation has a right to the truth that can only be established by law and evidence. To deprive the people of the full truth is a form of robbery. It is keeping something not yours. It is a sin,” Villegas added.
Truth and Justice Demand Impeachment Process
Villegas warned that political self-interest and moral laziness are at play in the delay. He described the postponement as “negligence and laziness,” stating, “Not to pursue the truth when you have the capacity to know it FORTHWITH is a grave sin of omission. It is morally unacceptable.”
He underscored that the impeachment process, as required by the Philippine Constitution, must move forward to a verdict. “To abort the trial even before its delayed commencement is deplorable. It is a sin against justice. The trial by the Senate is a positive command of the Philippine Constitution. It is a demand of justice. It must be commenced and it must continue to a just verdict,” the archbishop stressed.
“It is wrong to delay or abort it, according to no less than the framers of the Constitution itself. I add—it is sinfully wrong. It offends truth and justice.”
Criticism of Government Procrastination
Villegas also condemned the apparent procrastination of government officials, calling it a “lack of diligence or commitment” that the Filipino people do not deserve. “The nation deserves better than such officials,” he said.
The call for Vice President Duterte’s impeachment has grown louder amid allegations involving the misuse of confidential funds and questions about governance priorities, sources said. This ongoing debate highlights the urgency and importance of the impeachment process in ensuring accountability.
For more news and updates on the delay of impeachment process, visit Filipinokami.com.
