CBCP distances self from impeachment complaint vs. PNoy

The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines on Monday distanced itself from an impeachment complaint lodged against President Benigno Aquino III by activist groups, after learning a senior bishop was among the signatories.

CBCP president and Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said Archbishop emeritus Oscar Cruz signed the complaint in his personal capacity and does not represent the CBCP.

"I have no doubt that the good Archbishop himself will like it clarified that his decision to be one of the complainants is his alone, in the exercise of his discretion and as a result of his personal discernment. As in the past, Archbishop Cruz has exhibited a lively interest in the events of our day, as should all Catholics," Villegas said in a statement.

But he stressed the position that any bishop takes on any particular issue "is not necessarily that of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines."

He added the CBCP, as the highest assembly of Catholic bishops in the Philippines, "neither supports the filing of any impeachment complaint against the President."

Still, he said the CBCP "will neither begrudge anyone, member of the clergy, or laity, the exercise of constitutionally and statutorily recognized rights."

Earlier Monday, Cruz joined critics of the Aquino administration in signing an impeachment complaint that was filed at the House of Representatives.

The impeachment complaint was based on issues including the Supreme Court's declaration of parts of the Disbursement Acceleration Program as unconstitutional.

Popular not always right

Villegas, noting these are "difficult and often confusing times," reiterated the CBCP's call for all to submit to the Constitution, adding there is "a very important distinction between what is popular–or appear to be so–and what is right."

"I pray that all our officials ever be cognizant of this important difference so that all may resist the temptation of pursuing a course of action only because it seems to be popular. We urge respect for the breadth and the limits of constitutionally allocated powers between the great branches of government," he added.

Meanwhile, Villegas said the CBCP stands for an independent judiciary.

"To insist that ours be a government of laws and not of men is not to subordinate the human person to the law, but to uphold the equality of all before the law so that the powerful may not trample upon the weak and so that all enjoy the freedom of the sons and daughters of God," he said.

"Let the government show the citizenry that the law is at all times to be obeyed, for only under such a regime are rights and liberties safeguarded," he added.

Villegas urged citizens to "keep themselves informed, to be circumspect in their actions and in their statements, and to allow their discernment at all times to be inspired by the Gospel, and governed by the law of love." — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News